Senior Division No. 288, Second Quarter, 1967
SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to
give vigor to the facultieS, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If
God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of
mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my
Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.
Not
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
The Reception of Jesus
2.
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
3.
Christ a Personal Worker
4.
Commission and Witness of the Apostles
5.
The Sermon on the Mount
6.
The Great Confession Confirmed
7.
Lessons on the Kingdom
8.
Jesus Seeking the Lost
9.
Jesus Gives Final Instructions
10.
Gethsemane
11.
Jesus on Trial
12.
Calvary
13.
The Burial and Resurrection of Jesus
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 288, April-June, 1967. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579
requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses,
Copyright, 1967, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
COVER ROBERT AYRES, ARTIST; © P.P.P.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
SELECTED LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
"Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we
know that Gcd is acquainted with our
trials, and sympathizes with our griefs.
Every son and daughter of Adam may un-
derstand that our Creator is the friend of
sinners. For in every doctrine of grace,
every promise of joy, every deed of love,
every divine attraction presented in the
Saviour's life on earth, we see 'God with
us.'
"-The Desire of Ages,
page 24.
"It would be well for us to spend a
thoughtful hour each day in contemplation
of the life of Christ."-Ibid., p. 83.
Lesson 1, for April 1, 1967
The Reception of Jesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 2; Luke 2:8-38.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring
you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you
is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10, 11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 4-6; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps
Monday: Ques. 4-7.
❑
assignment.
Tuesday: Ques. 8-11.
❑
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Announcement to the Shepherds
1.
The announcement of Christ's
birth. Luke 2:8-12.
2.
The angel anthem. Luke
2:13,
14.
3.
The reaction of the shepherds.
Luke 2:15-18.
II. The Dedication
4.
Naming the Child. Luke 2:21;
Matt. 1:21.
5.
Offering for purification. Luke 2:
24; Lev. 12:6-8.
6. Dedication of first-born. Luke
2:22, 23; Num. 3:13.
III. Waiting for the Redeemer
7. Simeon's prophecy. Luke 2:27-32,
34, 35.
8. Witness of Anna. Luke 2:36-38.
IV. The Visit of the Wise Men
9. Following the star. Matt. 2:1, 2.
10. Herod's inquiry of the Jewish
leaders. Matt. 2 :3-6 ; Micah
5:2.
11. Herod's request of the wise men.
Matt. 2:7-12.
[
3
]
V. Providential Deliverance
13. The babes of Bethlehem slain.
Matt. 2:16-18.
12. The escape to Egypt. Matt. 2:
14. The return to Nazareth. Matt.
13-15.
2:19-23 ; John 1:46.
THE LESSON
The Announcement to the
Shepherds
1.
By whom and to
whom was the
announcement of Jesus' birth first
made? Luke 2:8-12.
NoTE.—"The priests and teachers of the
nation knew not that the greatest event of
the ages was about to take place. They
rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and
performed the rites of worship to be seen
by men, but in their strife for riches and
worldly honor they were not prepared for
the revelation of the Messiah. The same
indifference pervaded the land of Israel.
Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were
untouched by the joy that thrilled all
heaven. Only a few were longing to be-
hold the Unseen. To these heaven's em-
bassy was sent."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
44.
2.
While the chosen people were
unaware of the momentous event,
how was the joy of heavenly beings
manifested? Luke 2:13, 14.
NoTE.—"Heaven and earth are no wider
apart today than when shepherds listened
to the angels' song. . . . To us in the
common walks of life, heaven may be very
near. Angels from the courts above will
attend the steps of those who come and
go at God's command."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 48.
3.
What was the reaction of the
shepherds, and how did their report
affect the people? Luke 2:15-18.
The Dedication
4.
What name was given to the
Child at the time of His circumcision?
Luke 2:21; Matt. 1:21.
NOTE.-"
`Hoshea' meant salvation ;
Joshua, 'whose salvation is Jehovah;' Jesus
is but the English modification of the
Greek form of the name. . . . The Hebrew'
`Messiah' and the Greek 'Christ' were
names which represented His office as the
Anointed Prophet, Priest, and King; but
`Jesus' was the personal name which He
bore as one who 'emptied Himself of His
glory' to become a sinless man among sin-
ful men."—F. W. Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
1887 ed., p. 9.
5.
How was the poverty of Christ's
parents indicated in the offering for
Mary's purification on the fortieth
day? Luke 2:24; Lev. 12:6-8.
Non.—"The proper offering on such
occasions was a yearling lamb for a burnt
offering, and a young pigeon or a turtle-
dove for a sin offering; but with that
beautiful tenderness which is so marked a
characteristic of the Mosaic legislation,
those who were too poor for so compara-
tively costly an offering, were allowed to
bring instead two turtledoves or two young
pigeons. With this humble offering Mary
presented herself to the priest."—Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
page 9.
6.
What was the significance of the
dedication of Mary's firstborn Son?
Luke 2:22, 23; Num. 3:13.
[ 4 ]
NOTE.—"The dedication of the firstborn
had its origin in the earliest times. God
had promised to give the Firstborn of
heaven to save the sinner. This gift was
to be acknowledged in every household by
the consecration of the firstborn son. He
was to be devoted to the priesthood, as a
representative of Christ among men.
"In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt,
the dedication of the firstborn was again
commanded. . . .
"After the tabernacle service was estab-
lished, the Lord chose the tribe of Levi in
the place of the firstborn of all Israel to
minister in the sanctuary. But the firstborn
were still to be regarded as the Lord's, and
were to be bought back by a ransom."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 51.
Waiting for the Redeemer
7.
With what prophetic words did
Simeon describe the mission of Christ?
By what statement did he seek to
prepare Mary for the anguish she
was to bear? Luke 2:27-32, 34, 35.
NOTE.—" 'That the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed.' In the light of
the Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even
from the Creator to the prince of darkness,
are revealed.. .
"In the day of final judgment, every
lost soul will understand the nature of his
own rejection of truth."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 57, 58.
8.
How did Anna the prophetess
confirm the witness of Simeon? Luke
2:36-38.
The Visit of the Wise Men
9.
Who from the Gentile world
were divinely guided to seek out the
newborn King? What inquiry aroused
widespread interest? Matt. 2:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The wise men from the East were
philosophers. They belonged to a large and
influential class that included men of noble
birth, and comprised much of the wealth
and learning of their nation. Among these
were many who imposed on the credulity
of the people. Others were upright men
who studied the indications of Providence
in nature, and who were honored for their
integrity and wisdom. Of this character
were the wise men who came to Jesus. . . .
"The wise men had seen a mysterious
light in the heavens upon that night when
the glory of God flooded the hills of
Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous
star appeared, and lingered in the sky. . . .
That star was a distant company of shining
angels."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 59, 60.
10.
Fearing a plot against his
throne, what did Herod demand of
the chief priests and scribes? What
prophecy did they cite in reply?
Matt. 2:3-6; Micah 5:2.
11.
What did Herod ask the wise
men to do, and why did they not
comply with his request? Matt. 2:
7-12.
Providential Deliverance
12.
What instruction was given to
Joseph in a dream? How long did the
family remain in Egypt? Matt. 2:
13-15.
NoTa.—"Satan was bent on shutting out
the divine light from the world, and he
used his utmost cunning to destroy the
Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor
sleeps was watching over His beloved
Son. . . . And through the gifts of the
magi from a heathen country, the Lord
supplied the means for the journey into
Egypt and the sojourn in a land of stran-
gers. . . .
"The offering from the heart that loves,
God delights to honor, giving it highest
efficiency in service for
Him."—The Desire
of Ages,
page 65.
[
51
13. What ruthless measure did the
king take to destroy the Child Jesus?
How was prophecy fulfilled? Matt.
2:16-18. Compare Jer. 3'1:15.
NOTE.
-"This
calamity the Jews had
brought upon themselves. . . . It was their
proud boast that the Messiah was to come
as a king, conquering His enemies, and
treading down the heathen in His wrath.
Thus they had excited the hatred of their
rulers."-The
Desire of Ages,
pages 65, 66.
14. Following their sojourn in
Egypt, what circumstances led Joseph
and his family to make their home
in Nazareth? For what was Nazareth
proverbial? Matt. 2:19-23; John 1:46.
NOTE.-Character is not dependent upon
environment. Unfavorable environment is
no excuse for sinning. In heaven, where all
was purity and holiness, Lucifer fell. Just
as the pure white lily springs from the
black mud of the pond, so, in Nazareth,
proverbial for its wickedness, Jesus de-
veloped a spotless character.
Lesson 2, for April 8, 1967
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Luke 3:21-23; 4:1-13.
MEMORY VERSE:
"He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Matt. 4:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 11-13; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques.
1-3.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8-10.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13.
Thursday: Read Study Helps
assignment.
Friday: Review.
Check Here
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. The Baptism of Jesus
1.
The baptism by John. Luke 3: 23;
Matt. 3:13-15.
2.
The example of Jesus. John 3:23;
Matt. 3:6, 16; Rom. 6:4.
3.
The witness from heaven. Luke
3:22 ; Acts 10:38.
II. The First Temptation
4.
The ordeal in the wilderness.
Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1, 2.
5.
The hour of weakness. Matt. 4:2.
6.
The subtle insinuation met. Matt.
4:3,
4.
6
7. The effect of sensual indulgence.
1 Peter 2:11.
III. The Second Temptation
8. Presumption versus faith. Matt.
4:5, 6; Ps.
91:11,12.
9. Jesus' defense. Matt.
4:7.
IV. The Third Temptation
10. The love of the world. Matt.
4:8, 9.
11. The victory. Luke 4:8.
12. Angel ministry. Matt. 4:11.
13. Mighty to save. Heb. 2:17, 18.
THE LESSON
The Baptism of Jesus
1.
At what age did our Lord begin
His public ministry? Why did the
Sinless One come to John to be bap-
tized? Luke
3:23;
Matt. 3:13-15.
NOTE.—"When Jesus came to be bap-
tized, John recognized in Him a purity of
character that he had never before per-
ceived in any man. The very atmosphere
of His presence was holy and awe-inspir-
ing... .
"Jesus did not receive baptism as a
confession of guilt on His own account. He
identified Himself with sinners, taking the
steps that we are to take, and doing the
work that we must
do."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 110, 111.
2.
How does the Inspired Record
indicate the mode of baptism and the
experience that should follow bap-
tism? John 3:23; Matt. 3:6, 16; Rom.
6:4.
3.
How was Christ anointed for
His ministry, and what proclamation
was made by the Father at that time?
Luke 3:22; Acts 10:38.
NOTE.—"He was now, upon a wider
stage, entering on the conflict of His
life... .
"Upon His arm depended the salvation
of the fallen race, and He reached out
His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent
Love.
"The Saviour's glance seems to pene-
trate heaven as He pours out His soul in
prayer. . . . He pleads with the Father for
power to overcome their unbelief, to break
the fetters with which Satan has enthralled
them, and in their behalf to conquer the
destroyer. He asks for the witness that God
accepts humanity in the person of His Son.
"Never before have the angels listened to
such a prayer. . . . The heavens are opened,
and upon the Saviour's head descends a
dovelike form of purest light,—fit emblem
of Him, the meek and lowly One."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 111, 112.
The First Temptation
4.
Led by the Spirit, how did Jesus
spend the forty days in the wilder-
ness? Mark 1:12, 13; Luke 4:1, 2.
NOTE.—"When Jesus was led into the
wilderness to be tempted, He was led by
the Spirit of God. He did not invite
temptation. He went to the wilderness to
be alone, to contemplate His mission and
work. By fasting and prayer He was to
brace Himself for the bloodstained path He
must travel. But Satan knew that the
Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and
he thought this the best time to approach
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 114.
5.
At what point in the Saviour's
wilderness experience did Satan make
his crucial effort to overcome Jesus?
Matt. 4:2.
Nora.—"This was the tempter's moment.
. . . When the enthusiam is spent, when
the exhaltation dies away, when the fire
burns low, when Nature, weary and over-
strained, reasserts her rights—in a word,
when a mighty reaction has begun, which
leaves the man suffering, spiritless, ex-
hausted—then is the hour of extreme dan-
ger, and that has been, in many a fatal
instance, the moment in which a man has
fallen a victim to insidious allurement or
bold assault. It was at such a moment that
the great battle of our Lord against the
powers of evil was fought and won."—
F. W. Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
1887 ed.,
pp. 56, 57.
6.
How did Jesus meet Satan's temp-
tation to doubt His divinity? Matt.
4:3, 4. Compare Deut. 8:3.
[
71
NoTE.—"There came to the Saviour, as
if in answer to His prayers, one in the
guise of an angel from heaven. He claimed
to have a commission from God to de-
clare that Christ's fast was at an end. . . .
"Though he appears as an angel of light,
these first words betray his character. 'If
thou be the Son of God.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 118.
7.
From what does Peter admonish
Christians to abstain, and for what
reason? 1 Peter 2:11.
NoTE.—"Of all the lessons to be learned
from our Lord's first great temptation
none is more important than that bearing
upon the control of the appetites and pas-
sions. In all ages, temptations appealing to
the physical nature have been most ef-
fectual in corrupting and degrading man-
kind. Through intemperance, Satan works
to destroy the mental and moral powers
that God gave to man as a priceless en-
dowment. Thus it becomes impossible for
men to appreciate things of eternal worth.
Through sensual indulgence, Satan seeks to
blot from the soul every trace of likeness
to God....
"His [Jesus'] example declares that our
only hope of eternal life is through bring-
ing the appetites and passions into sub-
jection to the will of God."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 122.
The Second Temptation
8.
How did Satan press his next
temptation? What vital phrase was
omitted from his quotation of Scrip-
ture? Matt. 4:5, 6; Ps. 91:11, 12.
NoTE.—"Faith is in no sense allied to
presumption. . . . Presumption is Satan's
counterfeit of faith. . . . It is not faith that
claims the favor of Heaven without com-
plying with the conditions on which mercy
is to be granted. Genuine faith has its
foundation in the promises and provisions
of the Scriptures."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 126.
9.
How did Jesus withstand this
assault of the tempter? Matt. 4:7.
Compare Deut. 6:16.
The Third Temptation
10.
What offer did Satan make
from the mountaintop view of the
world? Matt. 4:8, 9.
NOTE.—"Satan . . . stated what was true
only in part, and he declared it to serve
his own purpose of deception. Satan's do-
minion was that wrested from Adam, but
Adam was the vicegerent of the Creator.
His was not an independent rule. The
earth is God's, and He has committed all
things to His Son. . . . When Adam be-
trayed his sovereignty into Satan's hands,
Christ still remained the rightful King. . . .
Satan can exercise his usurped authority
only as God permits."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 129, 130.
11.
With what summary dismissal
did our Lord give incontrovertible
evidence of His divinity? Luke 4:8.
Compare Deut. 10:20.
NOTE.—"Satan had questioned whether
Jesus was the Son of God. In his summary
dismissal he had proof that he could not
gainsay. Divinity flashed through suffering
humanity. Satan had no power to resist
the command. . . . Christ's victory was as
complete as had been the failure of Adam.
"So we may resist temptation, and force
Satan to depart from
us."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 130.
12.
Who ministered to Jesus in His
exhaustion? Matt. 4:11.
NOTE.—"The angels now ministered to
the Son of God as He lay like one dy-
ing....
"Never can the cost of our redemption
be realized until the redeemed shall stand
with the Redeemer before the throne of
God. Then as the glories of the eternal
home burst upon our enraptured senses
we shall remember that Jesus left all this
for us, that He not only became an exile
from the heavenly courts, but for us took
the risk of failure and eternal
loss."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 131.
[8]
13. What assurance does the vic-
torious experience of Jesus bring to
us? Heb. 2:17, 18.
NOTE.
-"If
we had to bear anything
which Jesus did not endure, then upon this
point Satan would represent the power
of
God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus
was 'in all points tempted like as we are.'
Heb. 4:15. He endured every trial to which
we are subject. And He exercised in His
own behalf no power that is not freely
offered to us. As man, He met temptation,
and overcame in the strength given Him
from God."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 24.
Lesson 3, for April 15, 1967
Christ a Personal Worker
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 3:1-16;
4:1-42.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." John 3:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 17, 19; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 9-11.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps
assignment.
Friday: Review.
Check Here
0
Lesson Outline:
I. The New Birth Explained to
Nicodemus
1.
Nicodemus visits Jesus. John 3:1, 2.
2.
Jesus states a vital truth.
John 3:3-5.
3.
The sinner's helplessness. John
3:6, 7; Jer. 13:23.
4.
The new birth illustrated. John 3:8.
5.
The fruit of the new birth.
2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 5:22, 23.
6.
"Whosoever believeth in Him."
John 3:14-16.
II. The Woman of Samaria
7. At Jacob's well. John 4:4-7
(first part).
8. Breaking down prejudice.
John 4:7 (last part), 8, 9.
9. Living water. John 4:10-14.
10. Life secrets revealed. John 4:16-18.
III. Two Great Announcements
11. Acceptable worship. John 4:19-24.
12. Jesus announces His Messiahship.
John 4:25, 26.
IV. The Ripened Harvest Fields
13. Jesus' passion for souls.
John
4:31-34.
14. Witnessing for Christ.
John 4:
28-30, 39-42.
[
9]
THE LESSON
The
New Birth Explained to
Nicodemus
1.
Who came to Jesus by night, and
for what purpose? John 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—"His [Nicodemus's] words were
designed to express and to invite confi-
dence; but they really expressed unbelief.
He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the
Messiah, but only a teacher sent from
God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 168.
2.
How did our Lord point out the
soul need of this ruler of the Jews?
How was this vital truth emphasized?
John 3:3-5. Compare 1 Cor. 2:14.
NoTE.—The margin of John 3:3 reads,
"born from above."
3.
How helpless is the sinner to
work out his own salvation? John
3:6, 7; Jer. 13:23.
NOTE.—"Education, culture, the exercise
of the will, human effort, all have their
proper sphere, but here they are powerless.
They may produce an outward correctness
of behavior, but they cannot change the
heart; they cannot purify the springs of
life. There must be a power working from
within, a new life from above, before men
can be changed from sin to holiness. That
power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken
the lifeless faculties of the soul, and at-
tract it to God, to holiness."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 18.
4.
How did the Saviour illustrate
the new birth? John 3:8.
NOTE.—"A person may not be able to
tell the exact time or place, or to trace all
the circumstances in the process of conver-
sion; but this does not prove him to be
unconverted. By an agency as unseen as
the wind, Christ is constantly working upon
the heart. Little by little, perhaps uncon-
sciously to the receiver, impressions are
made that tend to draw the soul to Christ.
These may be received through meditating
upon Him, through reading the Scrip-
tures, or through hearing the word from
the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit
comes with more direct appeal, the soul
gladly surrenders itself to Jesus."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 172.
5.
How are the results of this ex-
perience revealed in the life? 2 Cor.
5:17; Gal. 5:22, 23.
NOTE.—"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; the old has passed
away, behold, the new has come." 2 Cor.
5:17, R.S.V.
"When the Spirit of God takes posses-
sion of the heart, it transforms the life.
Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds
are renounced; love, humility, and peace
take the place of anger, envy, and strife.
Joy takes the place of sadness, and the
countenance reflects the light of heaven.
No one sees the hand that lifts the burden,
or beholds the light descend from the
courts above. The blessing comes when by
faith the soul surrenders itself to God.
Then that power which no human eye
can see creates a new being in the image
of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 173.
6.
By what familiar symbol did
Jesus reveal His mission? How is the
infinite love of God revealed? John
3:14-16.
NOTE.—"The symbol of the uplifted ser-
pent made plain to him the Saviour's mis-
sion. . . . As the image made in the like-
ness of the destroying serpents was lifted
up for their healing, so One made 'in the
likeness of sinful flesh' was to be their
Redeemer. . . . Whether for the healing
of their wounds or the pardon of their
sins, they could do nothing for themselves
[10]
but show their faith in the Gift of God.
They were to look and
live."—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 174, 175.
"The light from that secret interview
illumined the cross upon Calvary, and
Nicodemus saw in Jesus the world's Re-
deemer."—Ibid., p. 177.
The Woman of Samaria
7.
Passing through Samaria, at what
particular spot did Jesus stop to rest?
Who came to draw water? John 4:4-7
(first part).
NOTE.—"On the way to Galilee Jesus
passed through Samaria. It was noon when
He reached the beautiful Vale of Shechem.
At the opening of this valley was Jacob's
well. Wearied with His journey, He sat
down here to rest while His disciples went
to buy food....
"As Jesus sat by the well side, He was
faint from hunger and thirst. The journey
since morning had been long, and now the
sun of noontide beat upon Him. His thirst
was increased by the thought of the cool,
refreshing water so near, yet inaccessible
to Him; for He had no rope nor water jar,
and the well was deep. The lot of humanity
was His, and He waited for someone to
come to draw."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
183.
8.
By what simple request did Jesus
seek to disarm prejudice? How did the
woman respond? John 4:7 (last part),
8, 9.
NoTE.—"The Saviour was seeking to find
the key to this heart, and with the tact
born of divine love, He asked, not offered,
a favor. The offer of a kindness might have
been rejected; but trust awakens trust. The
King of heaven came to this outcast soul,
asking a service at her hands."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 184.
9.
How did the Master turn the
conversation to her spiritual need?
John 4:10-14.
NoTE.—"He who seeks to quench his
thirst at the fountains of this world will
drink only to thirst again. Everywhere men
are unsatisfied. They long for something
to supply the need of the soul. Only One
can meet that want. The need of the
world, 'the Desire of all nations,' is Christ.
The divine grace which He alone can im-
part, is as living water, purifying, refresh-
ing, and invigorating the soul. . .
"Every human resource and dependence
will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the
pools become dry; but our Redeemer is
an inexhaustible fountain."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 187.
10.
How did our Lord reveal His
knowledge of the woman's life? John
4:16-18.
Two Great Announcements
11.
How did Jesus define accept-
able worship? John 4:19-24.
NOTE.—"Words like these marked an
epoch in the spiritual history of the world;
a revolution in all previous ideas of the
relation of man to his Maker. They are the
proclamation of the essential equality of
man before God. . . . Rising high, not only
above His own age, but even above the
prejudices of all ages since, He gives man-
kind their charter of spiritual liberty for-
evermore. . . . The worth of man's homage
to God does not depend on the place where
it is paid. The true worship has its temple
in the inmost soul, in the spirit and heart."
—Cunningham Geikie,
The Life and Words
of Christ,
Vol. 1, p. 528.
12.
What hope did the words of
Jesus bring to the woman's mind?
What wonderful announcement did
Jesus then make? John 4:25, 26.
NOTE.—"His birth had been first re-
vealed by night to a few unknown and
ignorant shepherds; the first full, clear
announcement by Himself of His own
Messiahship was made by a well side in
the weary noon to a single obscure Sa-
maritan woman. And to this poor, sinful,
ignorant stranger had been uttered words
of immortal significance, to which all future
ages would listen, as it were, with hushed
breath and on their knees."—F. W. Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
1887 ed., p. 100.
The Ripened Harvest Fields
13.
Pressed by His disciples to par-
take of food, what secret of His power
did our Lord reveal? John 4:31-34.
14.
What convincing testimony did
the woman bear to the people of
Sychar? What was the result? John
4:28-30, 39-42.
NOTE.—"There may be only one to hear
the message; but who can tell how far-
reaching will be its influence? It seemed a
small matter, even to His disciples, for the
Saviour to spend His time upon a woman
of Samaria. But He reasoned more earnestly
and eloquently with her than with kings,
councilors, or high priests. The lessons He
gave to that woman have been repeated to
the earth's remotest bounds....
"Through the woman whom they [the
disciples] despised, a whole cityful were
brought to hear the Saviour. . . .
"Every true disciple is born into the
kingdom of God as a missionary."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 194, 195.
Lesson 4, for April 22, 1967
Commission and Witness of the Apostles
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 10; 12:22-45; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 11:14-23.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will
I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall
deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in
heaven." Matt. 10:32, 33.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 33, 35, 37, 38; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary," Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-3.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8-10.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps
assignment.
Friday: Review.
Check Here
0
Lesson Outline:
1.
The Disciples Commissioned
1.
Sending forth the Twelve.
Matt. 10:5-8.
2.
Christ instructs His disciples.
Matt. 10:9-16.
3.
Prepares them to meet opposition.
Matt. 10:17-31.
II. Reward of Faithful Testimony
and Labor
4.
Confessing Christ before men.
Matt. 10:32-39.
5.
Kindness to Christ's messengers
rewarded. Matt. 10:40-42.
6.
Rest after labor. Mark 6:30-32.
7.
Christ's gracious invitation to
burden bearers. Matt. 11:28-30.
[12
III. The Disciples Witness Christ's
Power and Authority
8.
Demoniac restored to sanity.
Mark 5:1-8, 15.
9.
Testimony of the demoniacs.
Mark 5:18-20; Matt. 8:28-34.
10.
Blind and dumb man healed.
Matt. 12:22, 23.
IV. The Pharisees Reject These
Credentials From Above
11.
Refuting false accusations of the
Pharisees. Matt. 12:24-30.
12.
He warns them. against rejecting
the Holy Spirit. Matt. 12:31, 32.
13.
Evil generation rebuked for vain
words. Matt. 12:34-37.
14.
Pharisees condemned for unbelief
and impenitence. Matt. 12:38-45.
THE LESSON
The Disciples Commissioned
1.
As Jesus sent out the twelve
apostles on their first missionary tour,
what power was bestowed upon them,
and what were they to do? Matt. 10:
5-8.
2.
What general instructions were
given to them? Matt 10:9-16. Com-
pare Mark 6:8-11; Luke 9:3-5.
NOTE.-"
'Be ye therefore wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves.' Christ Him-
self did not suppress one word of truth, but
He spoke it always in love. He exercised
the greatest tact, and thoughtful, kind at-
tention in His intercourse with the people.
He was never rude, never needlessly spoke
a severe word, never gave needless pain to
a sensitive soul. He did not censure human
weakness. He fearlessly denounced hyproc-
risy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were
in His voice as He uttered His scathing re-
bukes. . . . Every soul was precious in His
eyes."-The Desire of Ages,
page 353.
3.
What did our Lord say regarding
opposition and persecution? What as-
surances were given of divine aid?
Matt. 10:17-31. Compare Luke 12:4-7.
NOTE.-"A
few weak men were sent to
grapple with all the might of the heathen
world. Their case seemed desperate ; suc-
cess seemed impossible. But it was the
Lord who had sent them; here was their
hope and strength."-The
Pulpit Commen-
tary,
on Matt. 10:16-23.
Reward of Faithful Testimony
and Labor
4.
What has Christ promised to do
for those who truly confess Him?
Matt. 10:32-39.
NOTE.
-"Men
may deny Christ by evil
speaking, by foolish talking, by words that
are untruthful or unkind. They may deny
Him by shunning life's burdens, by the pur-
suit of sinful pleasure. They may deny Him
by conforming to the world, by uncourteous
behavior, by the love of their own opinions,
by justifying self, by cherishing doubt, bor-
rowing trouble, and dwelling in darkness.
In all these ways they declare that Christ
is not in them."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
357.
5.
How does our Lord regard even
the smallest act of kindness to His
disciples? Matt. 10:40-42.
6.
As the disciples returned from
their missionary tour, what invitation
did the Master give? To what place
did they retire? Mark 6:30-32. Com-
pare Luke 9:10.
[ 13 ]
NoTE.—"It is not wise to be always under
the strain of work and excitement, even in
ministering to men's spiritual needs; for in
this way personal piety is neglected, and the
powers of mind and soul and body are
overtaxed. . . .
"As activity increases and men become
successful in doing any work for God, there
is danger of trusting to human plans and
methods. There is a tendency to pray less,
and to have less faith. Like the disciples,
we are in danger of losing sight of our de-
pendence on God, and seeking to make a
savior of our activity."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 362.
7.
What gracious invitation does
Jesus extend to burden bearers? Matt.
11:28-30.
The Disciples Witness Christ's
Power and Authority
8.
What demonstration did the Sav-
iour give of His willingness to de-
liver those controlled by satanic spirits
when they cry to Him? Mark 5:1-8,
15.
10.
Describe the condition of a
man brought to Jesus. What manifes-
tation of divine power was given?
Matt. 12:22, 23. Compare Luke 11:14.
NOTE.—" 'He was casting out a devil, and
and it was dumb.' This was His work. As
the Redeemer, He was ever intent on set-
ting the human nature free from its mani-
fold evil by acting on the hidden cause of
the evil. It is to be noted that the dumb-
ness is traced to a demon—to the posses-
sion of the inner nature by a spirit whose
fettering of the man was evidenced in the
fettering of the organ of speech. 'To cure
sorrow by curing sin' is the special service of
Christ's church."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
on Luke 11:14-26.
The Pharisees Reject These
Credentials From Above
11.
To offset the profound effect
of this miracle, what charge did the
scribes and Pharisees make, and how
did Christ refute their accusation?
Matt. 12:24-30. Compare Luke 11:
15-23.
9. When the restored demoniac
sought to accompany his Benefactor,
what did Christ bid him do? Mark
5:18-20; Matt. 8:28-34.
NOTE.—"The two restored demoniacs
were the first missionaries whom Christ
sent to preach the gospel in the region of
Decapolis. For a few moments only these
men had been privileged to hear the teach-
ings of Christ. . . . But they bore in their
own persons the evidence that Jesus was
the Messiah. They could tell what they
knew; what they themselves had seen, and
heard, and felt of the power of Christ. . . .
This is the witness for which our Lord
calls, and for want of which the world is
perishing."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 340.
NoTE.—"It is not God that blinds the
eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He
sends them light to correct their errors, and
to lead them in safe paths; it is by the
rejection of this light that the eyes are
blinded and the heart hardened. Often the
process is gradual, and almost impercep-
tible. Light comes to the soul through God's
Word, through His servants, or by the di-
rect agency of His Spirit; but when one ray
of light is disregarded, there is a partial
benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and
the second revealing of light is less clearly
discerned. So the darkness increases, until
it is night in the soul. Thus it had been
with these Jewish leaders."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 322, 323.
12. What warning did Jesus give
concerning speaking against the Holy
Spirit? Matt. 12:31, 32.
[ 14 ]
NOTE.—"Christ told them plainly that in
attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to
Satan, they were cutting themselves off
from the fountain of blessing. . . . Whatever
the sin, if the soul repents and believes, the
guilt is washed away in the blood of Christ;
but he who rejects the work of the Holy
Spirit is placing himself where repentance
and faith cannot come to him. It is by the
Spirit that God works upon the heart;
when men willfully reject the Spirit, and
declare It to be from Satan, they cut off
the channel by which God can communi-
cate with them. When the Spirit is finally
rejected, there is no more that God can do
for the soul."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
321, 322.
13. To what source did Jesus trace
the speech of men, and what warn-
ing did He give against idle and evil
words? Matt. 12:34-37.
NorE.—"Closely connected with Christ's
warning in regard to the sin against the
Holy Spirit is a, warning against idle and
evil words. . . . Words are more than an
indication of character; they have power
to react on the character. Men are influ-
enced by their own words. Often under a
momentary impulse, prompted by Satan,
they give utterance to jealousy or evil sur-
mising, expressing that which they do not
really believe; but the expression reacts on
the thoughts. . . . It is dangerous to utter
a word of doubt, dangerous to question and
criticize divine light. The habit of careless
and irreverent criticism reacts upon the char-
acter, in fostering irreverence and unbelief.
Many a man indulging this habit has gone
on unconscious of danger, until he was
ready to criticize and reject the work of
the Holy Spirit."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
323.
14. In what strong language did
Jesus condemn the Pharisees for their
unbelief and impenitence? Matt. 12:
38-45.
NOTE.—"IT is not only by resistance but
by neglect that the soul is destroyed.. . .
"We may leave off many bad habits, for
the time we may part company with Satan;
but without a vital connection with God,
through the surrender of ourselves to Him
moment by moment, we shall be over-
come. .
" ' The last state of that man is worse than
the first.' . . . There are none so hardened
as those who have slighted the invitation
of mercy, and done despite to the Spirit of
grace. The most common manifestation of
the sin against the Holy Spirit is in per-
sistently slighting Heaven's invitation to
repent."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 323,
324.
Lesson 5, for April 29, 1967
The Sermon on the Mount
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 5 to 7.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. 7:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter 31; "Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 13-T5.
Check Here
Sunday: Ques.
1-3.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps
Monday: Ques. 4-7.
❑
assignment.
0
Tuesday: Ques. 8-12.
❑
Friday: Review.
0
[
15
]
Lesson Outline:
I. The Beatitudes
1.
The subjects of Messiah's kingdom.
Matt. 5:1-9.
2.
The blessing on the persecuted.
Matt. 5:10-12; Luke 6:22, 23.
3.
The symbols of the church.
Matt. 5:13-16.
II. Jesus Magnifies the Law
4.
The law eternal. Matt. 5:17-19.
5.
The spirituality of the law.
Matt. 5:20-24, 38-48.
6.
The seventh commandment in-
terpreted. Matt. 5:27-32.
7.
The taking of the oath. Matt.
5:33-37.
III. The Motive in Service
8.
A guiding principle. Matt. 6:1-5,
16-18.
9.
A lesson on prayer. Matt. 6:6-15.
10.
Assurance of answered prayer.
Matt. 7:7-11.
11.
Undivided service. Matt. 6:19-34.
12.
Judging. Matt. 7:1-5.
IV. The Two Ways
13.
The broad and narrow ways.
Matt. 7:13, 14.
14.
The test of the true and the false.
Matt. 7:15-23.
15.
The hearers and doers. Matt. 7:
24-29.
THE LESSON
The Beatitudes
1.
What seven traits of character
call forth the blessings of the king-
dom? Matt. 5:1-9.
NOTE.
-"Christ
disappointed the hope of
worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the
Mount He sought to undo the work that
had been wrought by false education, and
to give His hearers a right conception of
His kingdom and of His own character.
. . . Without combating their ideas of the
kingdom of God, He told them the condi-
tions of entrance therein, leaving them to
draw their own conclusions as to its na-
ture. . . . We no less than they need to
learn the foundation principles of the king-
dom of
God."-The Desire of Ages,
page
299.
2.
How is every disciple of Christ
to relate himself to trial and perse-
cution? Matt. 5:10-12; Luke 6:22, 23.
NOTE.
-"While
the Lord has not prom-
ised His people exemption from trials, He
has promised that which is far better. He
has said, 'As thy days, so shall thy strength
be.' My grace is sufficient for thee: for My
strength is made perfect in weakness.' . . .
If you are called to go through the fiery
furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your
side even as He was with the faithful three
in Babylon. Those who love their Re-
deemer will rejoice at every opportunity of
sharing with Him humiliation and reproach.
The love they bear their Lord makes suf-
fering for His sake
sweet."-Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 30.
3.
To what two things did Jesus
liken the Christian's responsibility to
the world? Matt. 5:13-16.
NOTE.
-"Jesus
did not bid the disciples,
`Strive to
snake
your light shine ;' He said,
'Let
it shine.' If Christ is dwelling in the
heart, it is impossible to conceal the light
of His presence. If those who profess to
be followers of Christ are not the light of
the world, it is because the vital power has
left them; if they have no light to give, it
is because they have no connection with
the Source of
light."-Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 41.
Jesus Magnifies the Law
4.
What did Jesus teach concern-
ing the law? How serious is the vio-
16
lation of any one of the Ten Com-
mandments? Matt. 5:17-19. Compare
Luke 16:17.
NoTE.----"He
came not to destroy.
They
must not misunderstand the purpose of His
teaching. The Old Testament is not con-
trary to the New; both speak of Christ.
The commandments are as binding now
upon the Christian conscience as when they
were first delivered amid the thunders of
Mount Sinai. 'We establish the law," says
the apostle of faith (Rom. 3:31). 'No
Christian man is free from the obedience
of the commandments which are called
moral.' .
.
"He came to fulfill.
He fulfilled the
righteousness of the law. He exhibited it
perfectly in His own most holy life. . . .
He fulfilled the doctrine of the law, bring-
ing out as He did the deep spiritual meaning
of its teaching."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
on Matt. 5:17-48.
5.
How did Jesus magnify the sixth
commandment? What great principle
is basic to the fulfilling of the law?
Matt. 5:20-24, 38-48. Compare Isa.
42:21.
NOTE.—"The traditional interpretation
confined the application of the command-
ment to the actual crime of murder. The
Lord shows that it extends to sinful anger.
`Whosoever hateth his brother is a mur-
derer;' he is a murderer in heart and will.
In the sight of Him who searcheth the
hearts, the evil thought willfully harbored
and brooded on, the wicked wish, the un-
just, wrathful word, is as guilty as the
wicked deed. 'I say unto you;' the Lord
speaks with authority. He gave the law
at first on Mount Sinai ; He interprets it
now on the mount of the Beatitudes."—
The Pulpit Commentary,
on Matt. 5:17-48.
6.
How did our Lord reveal the
deep spiritual nature of the seventh
commandment? How does He apply
this commandment to divorce and re-
marriage? Matt. 5:27-32.
NOTE.—"The traditional interpretation
confined the commandment to the evil
deed; the Lord extends it to the sinful
thought. The unlawful desire, consented
to and kept before the mind, is equally
guilty with the unclean act. . . . We are
the temples of God the Holy Ghost; to
bring unclean thoughts into that most sa-
cred presence is a fearful sin, an awful
sacrilege. Then strike at the beginnings of
sin, the thought, the look; strike, and spare
not. Such watchfulness may imply very
strict and painful self-denial. Better to deny
ourselves now than to be cast out at the
last; better to pluck out the right eye, to
cut off the right hand, than to be con-
demned at the last."—The
Pulpit Commen-
tary,
on Matt. 5:17-48.
"In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus de-
clared plainly that there could be no dis-
solution of, the marriage tie, except for
unfaithfulness to the marriage
vow."—
Noughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page
63.
7.
What is the teaching of Christ
with regard to the taking of oaths?
Matt. 5:33-37.
NOTE.—"Our Saviour did not, however,
forbid the use of the judicial oath, in which
God is solemnly called to witness that what
is said is truth and nothing but the truth.
Jesus Himself, at His trial before the San-
hedrin, did not refuse to testify under
oath. . . .
"These words condemn all those mean-
ingless phrases and expletives that border
on profanity. They condemn the deceptive
compliments, the evasion of truth, the flat-
tering phrases, the exaggerations, the mis-
representations in trade, that are current
in society and in the business world."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 66-68.
The Motive in Service
8.
What motive should govern our
giving, our praying, and our fasting?
What course are we to avoid? Matt.
6:1-5, 16-18.
I 17 I
9.
How does the Master emphasize
the importance of secret prayer? What
simple requests are made in the Lord's
model prayer? Matt. 6:6-15. Compare
Luke 11:1-4.
10.
What assurance is given that
our heavenly Father will grant our
petitions? How is His willingness il-
lustrated? Matt. 7:7-11. Compare
Luke 11:9-13.
11.
How does Jesus emphasize
wholeheartedness in service? What
lesson is drawn from the birds and
the lilies? Matt. 6:19-34.
NOTE.—"Worry is blind and cannot dis-
cern the future; but Jesus sees the end
from the beginning. In every difficulty He
has His way prepared to bring relief. . . .
"Our heavenly Father has a thousand
ways to provide for us of which we know
nothing. Those who accept the one prin-
ciple of making the service of God supreme,
will find perplexities vanish and a plain
path before their feet."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 481.
12.
What evil practice does Jesus
condemn? What should first be done
before we attempt to correct others?
Matt. 7:1-5.
NOTE.—"It is one's own lack of the spirit
of forbearance and love that leads him to
make a world of an
atom."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 125.
"No one has ever been reclaimed from a
wrong position by censure and reproach;
but many have thus been driven from
Christ and led to seal their hearts against
conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, win-
ning deportment, may save the erring and
hide a multitude of sins."—Ibid., p. 129.
The Two Ways
13.
Describe the difference between
the two roads through life. Matt. 7:
13, 14.
14.
What is said concerning false
prophets? In the judgment day what
will be the sad experience of many?
Matt. 7:15-23. Compare Isa. 8:20.
NoTE.—"In those churches which he can
bring under his deceptive power he [Satan]
will make it appear that God's special
blessing is poured out; there will be mani-
fest what is thought to be great religious
interest. . . . Under a religious guise, Satan
will seek to extend his influence over the
Christian world."—The
Great Controversy,
page 464.
15.
In concluding His notable Ser-
mon on the Mount, what two kinds
of builders did Christ mention? Matt.
7:24-29.
Lesson 6, for May 6, 1967
The Great Confession Confirmed
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 16:13-28; 17:1-8; Luke 9:18-36.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole
world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul?" Mark 8:36, 37.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 45, 46; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
[ 18
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 9-11.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 12-14.
Thursday: Read Study Helps
assignment.
Friday: Review.
Check Here
0
0
Lesson Outline:
I. The Great Confession
1.
The popular view concerning Jesus.
Matt. 16:13, 14.
2.
The vital question. Matt. 16:15.
3.
Peter's answer. Matt. 16:16.
4.
A divine revelation. Matt. 16:17.
II. The Foundation of the Church
5.
Peter versus the rock Foundation
of the church. Matt. 16:18;
1 Cor. 3:11.
6.
The keys of the kingdom. Matt.
16:19; 18:17, 18.
7.
The fallibility of Peter. Matt. 16:
21-23.
8.
The Head of the church. Eph. 1:
20-23; 5:23.
III. The Cross and the Kingdom
°9 Necessity of-self-denial.-Matt. 16:
24, 25.
10. Christ, not the world, holds the
secret of life. Matt. 16:26; John
•
10:10.
11. Promise of the kingdom.
Matt. 16:27, 28.
IV. The Transfiguration
12.
A glorious experience. Matt. 17:
1-4; Luke 9:28-31.
13.
Disciples' lack of comprehension.
Luke 9:32, 33.
14.
Assurance; Jesus only. Matt.
17:5, 8.
THE LESSON
3. What great confession did Peter
utter? Matt. 16:16.
The Great Confession
1. What was the popular view as
to whom Jesus might be? Matt. 16:
13, 14.
NOTE.
-"Sadly
the disciples were forced
to acknowledge that Israel had failed to
recognize their Messiah. Some indeed, when
they saw His miracles, had declared Him
to be the Son of David. The multitudes
that had been fed at Bethsaida had de-
sired to proclaim Him king of Israel. Many
were ready to Accept, Him as a prophet;
but they did' not believe Him to' be the
Messiah."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 411.
2. What direct question did Jesus
put to His disciples? Matt. 16:15.
4. How had Peter arrived at his
conviction? Matt. 16:17.
NOTE.
-"The
truth which Peter had con-
fessed is the foundation of the believer's
faith. It is that which Christ Himself has
declared to be eternal life. But the posses-
sion of this knowledge was no ground for
self-glorification. Through no wisdom or
goodness of his own had it been revealed to
Peter. Never can humanity, of itself, attain
to a knowledge of the divine. It is as high
as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper
than hell; what canst thou know?' Job
[ 19
11:8. Only the spirit of adoption can re-
veal to us the deep things of God, which
`eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man.' God
hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit:
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the
deep things of God.' 1 Cor. 2:9, 10. 'The
secret of the Lord is with them that fear
Him ;' and the fact that Peter discerned
the glory of Christ was an evidence that he
had been 'taught of God.' Ps. 25:14; John
6:45. Ah, indeed, 'blessed art thou, Simon
Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not
revealed it unto thee.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 412.
The Foundation of the Church
5. Upon whom is the church
founded? Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11.
Compare Eph. 2:20.
NOTE.—"The word Peter in Greek is
Petros.
The point to be established by this
scripture is that Simon is named P-e-t-r-o-s.
He is never called by any other etymologi-
cal form of this word, though of course it
is subject to all the grammatical variations
common to all Greek nouns and names. He
is called by this name 161 times in the
Authorized Version of the New Testament,
and by no other name except Simon.
"Now the word
petros
is itself a masculine
derivative from the feminine parent-word
petra.
The word
petra
denotes rock as a
substance, rock en masse, as embedded in
the everlasting hills, or as a huge boulder,
or as a projecting ledge—in other words,
mother rock. It therefore becomes a most
fitting symbol of Christ, and is frequently
applied to Him directly throughout both
Old and New Testaments, often but not
always written with a capital initial, Rock.
Paul makes its use very clear in 1 Co-
rinthians 10:4, in speaking of the children
of Israel during the Exodus: 'And did all
drink the same spiritual drink: for they
drank of that spiritual Rock that followed
them: and that
Rock
was
Christ.'
The
Greek original for Rock in both instances
here is
petra.
What could be clearer than
that
petra
is Christ, and that Christ is
petra
when spoken of by this symbol of
rock? . .
"Petros
is used of stones light enough and
small enough for soldiers or anyone to
throw. . . .
"The reader may therefore be deeply
grateful that his hope is built on nothing
less than on 'Christ the solid Rock,' and
not on a rolling, moveable fragment of
rock."—F.
D.
Nichol,
Answers to Objec-
tions,
1952 ed., pp. 851-853.
6.
What authority is represented by
the keys of the kingdom? Matt. 16:19;
18:17, 18.
NOTE.—"This statement [Matt. 18:18]
holds its force in all ages. On the church
has been conferred the power to act in
Christ's stead. It is God's instrumentality
for the preservation of order and discipline
among His people. To it the Lord has
delegated the power to settle all questions
respecting its prosperity, purity, and order.
Upon it rests the responsibility of exclud-
ing from its fellowship those who are un-
worthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct
would bring dishonor on the truth. What-
ever the church does that is in accordance
with the directions given in God's Word
will be ratified in
heaven."—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 263.
7.
How did Peter soon reveal his
lack of insight and his fallibility?
Matt. 16:21-23. Compare Luke 22:
31, 32.
NOTE.—"Peter was not the rock upon
which the church was founded. The gates
of hell did prevail against him when he
denied his Lord with cursing and swearing.
The church was built upon One against
whom the gates of hell could not prevail."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 413.
8.
Who only is declared to be the
Head of the church? Eph. 1:20-23;
5:23.
The Cross and the Kingdom
9.
In what words did Jesus reveal
the necessity of self-denial in relation
to His kingdom? Matt. 16:24, 25.
[20]
NOTE.—"Trial is part of the education
given in the school of Christ, to purify
God's children from the dross of earthliness.
It is because God is leading His children
that trying experiences come to them. Trials
and obstacles are His chosen methods of
discipline, and His appointed conditions of
success. He who reads the hearts of men
knows their weaknesses better than they
themselves can know them. He sees that
some have qualifications which, if rightly
directed, could be used in the advancement
of His work. In His providence He brings
these souls into different positions and
varied circumstances, that they may dis-
cover the defects that are concealed from
their own knowledge. He gives them op-
portunity to overcome these defects and
to fit themselves for service. Often He
permits the fires of affliction to burn, that
they may be purified."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 524.
10.
How does Christ show that He
and not the world holds the secret
of life? Matt. 16:26; John 10:10.
11.
What assurance did Jesus give
to some of His disciples? Matt. 16:
27, 28.
The Transfiguration
12.
What glorious opportunity
came to three of the disciples about
a week later? Matt. 17:1-4; Luke 9:
28-31.
13.
What indicates that these dis-
ciples did not fully comprehend the
significance of this experience? Luke
9:32, 33.
NOTE.—"The disciples do not yet compre-
hend the scene; but they rejoice that the
patient Teacher, the meek and lowly One,
who has wandered to and fro a helpless
stranger, is honored by the favored ones
of heaven. They believe that Elijah has
come to announce the Messiah's reign, and
that the kingdom of Christ is about to be
set up on the earth. The memory of their
fear and disappointment they would ban-
ish forever. Here, where the glory of God
is revealed, they long to tarry. Peter ex-
claims, 'Master, it is good for us to be
here: and let us make three tabernacles;
one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one
for Elias.' The disciples are confident that
Moses and Elijah have been sent to pro-
tect their Master, and to establish His
authority as king.
"But before the crown must come the
cross. Not the inauguration of Christ as
king, but the decease to be accomplished
at Jerusalem, is the subject of their con-
ference with Jesus."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 422.
14.
How were the disciples assured,
and, when the celestial glory faded,
whom only did they see? Matt. 17:
5, 8. Compare 2 Cor. 3:18.
NOTE.—"They saw with their eyes and
heard with their ears things that were be-
yond the comprehension of man. They
were 'eyewitnesses of His majesty' (2 Peter
1:16), and they realized that Jesus was
indeed the Messiah, to whom patriarchs
and prophets had witnessed, and that He
was recognized as such by the heavenly
universe."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 425.
Lesson 7, for May 13, 1967
Lessons on the Kingdom
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 19:13-30;
Mark 10:13-31; Luke 18:15-20; John
11:
11-44.
[211
MEMORY VERSE: "I
am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth
in Me shall never die." John 11:25, 26.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 56-59; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 390-396; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. El
Sunday: Ques. 1, 2; read "Christ's
Object Lessons," pages 390-
396.
0
Monday: Ques. 3-6.
0
Check Here
Tuesday: Ques. 7-10.
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus and the Children
1.
The children brought to Jesus.
Mark 10:13, 14.
2.
God's kingdom belongs to the
children. Mark 10:15, 16;
Matt. 18:1-6, 14.
II. The Cost of Discipleship
3.
A vital question. Matt. 19:16-19.
4.
A vital test. Matt. 19:20, 21;
Mark 10:20, 21.
5.
A fateful choice. Mark 10:
22-27; Matt. 19:22.
6.
The disciples' reward. Matt. 19:
27-30.
III. From Death to Life
7.
Lazarus sleepeth. John 11:11-14.
8.
The unconscious sleep of death.
Job 14:12; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl. 9:
5, 6, 10.
9.
Jesus
the Life-giver. John 11:21-26.
10.
The glory of God. John 11:38-40.
IV. The Voice of the Life
-
giver
11.
The crowning evidence of divinity.
John 11:43, 44.
12.
The voice that awakens the dead.
John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17;
Job 74:14, 15.
13.
The resurrection of
,
the just.
1 Cor. 15:51-55.
THE LESSON
Jesus and the Children
1. With what words did our Lord
rebuke the disciples for their un-
sympathetic attitude toward the chil-
dren? Mark 10:13, 14.
NoTE.-"When Jesus told the disciples
not to forbid the children to come to
Him, He was speaking to His followers in
all ages,-to officers of the church, to min-
isters, helpers, and all
Christians. Jesus is
drawing the children, and He bids us,
Suffer them to come; as if He would say,
They will come if you do not hinder them.
"Let not your un-Christlike character
misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little
ones away from Him by your coldness
and harshness."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
517.
2. In whatway did Jesus emphasize
the necessity of a childlike attitude on
the part of all who would enter the
kingdom? Mark 10:15, 16; Matt. 18:
1-6, 14.
[ 22 ]
NOTE.—"It is still true that children are
the most susceptible to the teachings of
the gospel; their hearts are open to divine
influences, and strong to retain the lessons
received. The little children may be Chris-
tians, having an experience in accordance
with their years. . . .
"In working for the conversion of our
children, we should not look for Violent
emotion as the essential evidence of con-
viction of sin. Nor is it necessary to know
the exact time when they are converted.
We should teach them to bring their sins
to Jesus, asking His forgiveness, and believ-
ing that He pardons and receives them as
He received the children when He was
personally on earth."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 515.
"The most childlike disciple is the most
efficient in labor for God. The heavenly
intelligences can cooperate with him who
is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save
souls.. .
"The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness,
and the confiding love of a little child are
the attributes that Heaven values."—Ibid.,
pp. 436, 437.
The Cost of Discipleship
3.
What question did a young ruler
ask of Jesus? How did Jesus reply?
Matt. 19:16-19.
NOTE.—"This ruler had a high estimate
of his own righteousness. He did not really
suppose that he was defective in anything,
yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt
the want of something that he did not
possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He
blessed the little children, and satisfy his
soul want
?"—The Desire of Ages,
page 518.
4.
What assertion did the young
man make? By what test did Christ
reveal the one thing this ruler in
Israel lacked? Matt. 19:20, 21; Mark
10:20, 21.
NOTE.—"The lover of self is a transgres-
sor of the law. This Jesus desired to reveal
to the young man, and He gave him a test
that would make manifest the selfishness
of his heart. He showed him the plague
spot in his character. The young man de-
sired no further enlightenment. He had
cherished an idol in the soul; the world was
his god. He professed to have kept the
commandments, but he was destitute of the
principle which is the very spirit and life of
them all. He did not possess true love for
God or man. This want was the want of
everything that would qualify him to enter
the kingdom of heaven. In his love of self
and worldly gain he was out of harmony
with the principles of
heaven."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 392.
5.
Whit
.
"Was the reaction of this
man? What comment did Jesus make
on the danger of riches? Mark 10:
22-27; Matt. 19:22. Compare 1 Tim.
6:17-19.
NOTE.—"I saw that Satan bade his angels
lay their snares especially for those who
were looking for Christ's second appearing
and keeping all the commandments of
God. . . . `Go, make the possessors of lands
and money drunk with cares. If you can
make them place their affections upon these
things, we shall have them yet. They may
profess what they please, only make them
care more for money than for the success
of Christ's kingdom or the spread of the
truths we hate. Present the world before
them in the most attractive light, that they
may love and idolize it. . .. Make covetous-
ness and love of earthly treasures the rul-
ing traits of their character. As long as
these traits rule, salvation and grace stand
back. Crowd every attraction around them,
and they will be surely
ours.'"—Early
Writings,
page 266, 267.
6.
What question did Peter raise?
How did Jesus respond? Matt. 19:27-
30.
NOTE.—"While much of the fruit of their
labor is not apparent in this life, God's
workers have His sure promise of ultimate
success. As the world's Redeemer, Christ
was constantly confronted with apparent
23
failure. . . . But He would not be dis-
couraged. Ever before Him He saw the re-
sult of His mission. . . . The life of Christ's
disciples is to be like His, a series of un-
interrupted victories—not seen to be such
here, but recognized as such in the great
hereafter.
"Those who labor for the good of others
are working in union with the heavenly
angels. . . . Angels of light and power are
ever near to protect, to comfort, to heal, to
instruct, to inspire. The highest education,
the truest culture, the most exalted service
possible to human beings in this world, arc
theirs."—Gospel Workers,
pages 514, 515.
From Death to Life
7.
How did Christ describe the con-
dition of Lazarus in death? John 11:
11-14.
NOTE.—"Christ represents death as a
sleep to His believing children. Their life
is hid with Christ in God, and until the
last trump shall sound those who die will
sleep in
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page
527.
8.
How is the unconscious sleep of
death stated in the following scrip-
tures? Job 14:12; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl.
9:5, 6, 10.
9.
By what declaration did Jesus
comfort the sorrowing? John 11:21-
26. Compare Rev. 1:18.
NOTE.—"Christ here looks forward to the
time of His second coming. Then the righ-
teous dead shall be raised incorruptible, and
the living righteous shall be translated to
heaven without seeing death. . . . By His
word and His works He declared Himself
the Author of the resurrection. He who
Himself was soon to die upon the cross
stood with the keys of death, a conqueror
of the grave, and asserted His right and
power to give eternal life."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 530.
10.
With what assurance did Jesus
approach the tomb of Lazarus? John
11:38-40.
The Voice of the Life-giver
11.
By what demonstration did
Christ reveal His power as Life-giver?
John 11:43, 44.
NOTE.—"His voice, clear and penetrating,
pierces the ear of the dead. As He speaks,
divinity flashes through humanity. In His
face, which is lighted up by the glory of
God, the people see the assurance of His
power. Every eye is fastened on the en-
trance to the cave. Every ear is bent to
catch the slightest sound. With intense and
painful interest all wait for the test of
Christ's divinity, the evidence that is to
substantiate His claim to be the Son of
God, or to extinguish the hope forever.
"There is a stir in the silent tomb, and
he who was dead stands at the door of the
sepulcher."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 536.
12.
When will the voice of the Life-
giver again be heard, and who will
hear it? John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:16,
17; Job 14:14, 15.
13.
How does Paul describe the
resurrecion of the righteous? 1 Cor.
15:51-55.
NOTE.—"The earth mightily shook as the
voice of the Son of God called forth the
sleeping saints. They responded to the call
and came forth clothed with glorious im-
mortality, crying, 'Victory, victory, over
death and the grave! 0 death, where is
thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?'
Then the living saints and the risen ones
raised their voices in a long, transporting
shout of victory. Those bodies that had
gone down into the grave bearing the
marks of disease and death came up in
[24
]
immortal health and vigor. The living saints
are changed in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye, and caught up with the risen
ones, and together they meet their Lord
in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting!
Friends whom death had separated were
united, nevermore to part."-Early
Writ-
ings,
page 287.
Lesson 8, for May 20, 1967
Jesus Seeking the Lost
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
21:1-16; 26:8-16;
Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50; 19:1-48;
John
12:1-19.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost." Luke 19:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 61, 62; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1, 2; start reading
from Study Helps assignment.
❑
Monday: Ques. 3-5.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 6-8.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 9-13.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Finds the Publican
1.
A guest of Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1-7.
2.
Evidence of conversion.
Luke 19:8-10.
II. Jesus Attends the Feast
at
Simon's House
3.
The broken alabaster box.
Mark 14:3 ; Luke 7:36-38.
4.
Mary's act criticized. John 12:
4-8; Matt. 26:8-13.
5.
The perfidy of Judas. Matt.
26:
14-16.
III. Jesus Gently Rebukes Simon
and Comforts Mary
6.
Parable of two debtors.
Luke 7:39-43.
7.
Mary's devotion compared with
Simon's. Luke 7:44-46.
8.
Mary's sins forgiven. Luke 7:47-50.
IV. Jesus' Solicitude for Jerusalem
9.
"Thy King cometh." Matt. 21:1-7;
Zech. 9:9.
10.
The multitudes acclaim Jesus.
Matt. 21:8, 9; Luke 19:36-38;
John 12:12-16.
11.
Protesting Pharisees rebuked.
Luke 19:39, 40.
12.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.
Luke 19:41-44.
13.
Fulfilling prophecy. Matt. 21:10, 11.
E25]
THE LESSON
Jesus Finds the Publican
1.
In his desire to see Jesus, what
did Zacchaeus do? Ignoring Jewish
prejudice, what announcement did
Jesus make? Luke 19:1-7.
NoTE.—"That he, the hated and despised
one, should have been thus favored, in a
moment won his heart, and waked the im-
pulse of a new and better life; but it, also
raised the hostile feeling of the multitude:.
"They little knew the mighty change His
having done so had, in a moment, wrought
in a soul hitherto degraded and lost, not
less by an ignoble life, than by the social
proscription which barred all hope of self-
recovery."—Geikie,
The Life and Words of
Christ,
Vol.
2,
p. 388.
2.
What evidence of genuine re-
pentance did Zacchaeus give? How
did Christ commend this publican and
justify His treatment of him? Luke
19:8-10. Compare Ex. 22:1-4.
NOTE.—"If we have injured others
through any unjust business transaction, if
we have overreached in trade, or defrauded
any man, even though it be within the pale
of the law, we should confess our wrong,
and make restitution as far as lies in our
power."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 556.
Jesus Attends the Feast at
Simon's House
3.
At whose home was a feast made
for Jesus? By what act did Mary show
her gratitude for pardoned sin and
the restoration of her brother? Mark
14:3; Luke 7:36-38.
NOTE.—"He [Simon] was one of the few
Pharisees who had openly joined Christ's
followers. He acknowledged Jesus as a
teacher, and hoped that He might be the
Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as
a Saviour. His character was not trans-
formed; his principles were unchanged.
"Simon had been healed of the leprosy,
and it was this that had drawn him to
Jesus."—The Desire of Ages,
page 557.
4.
Who stirred up criticism among
the disciples against this act? With
what words did Christ rebuke the
criticism and commend Mary? John
12:4-8; Matt. 26:8-13.
NOTE.—"As the alabaster box was broken,
and filled the whole house with its fra-
grance, so Christ was to die, His body was
to be broken; but He was to rise from the
tomb, and the fragrance of His life was to
fill the earth. . . .
"And as far as the gospel extended,
Mary's gift would shed its fragrance, and
hearts would be blessed through her un-
studied act. Kingdoms would rise and fall;
the names of monarchs and conquerors
would be forgotten; but this woman's deed
would be immortalized upon the pages of
sacred history. Until time should be no
more, that broken alabaster box would tell
the story of the abundant love of God for
a fallen race."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
563.
5.
Stung by the Saviour's rebuke,
what covenant did Judas make with
the chief priests? What was to be the
price of the betrayal? Matt. 26:14-16.
NOTE.—"When Mary anointed the Sav-
iour's feet, Judas manifested his covetous
disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his
very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded
pride and desire for revenge broke down the
barriers, and the greed so long indulged
held him in control. This will be the ex-
perience of everyone who persists in tam-
pering with sin. The elements of depravity
that are not resisted and overcome re-
spond to Satan's temptation, and the soul
is led captive at his
will."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 720.
[26
]
Jesus Gently Rebukes Simon
and Comforts Mary
6.
Why did Simon doubt in his
mind the prophetic role of his Guest?
By what parable did Jesus cause the
Pharisee to pronounce his own sen-
tence? Luke 7:39-43.
NoTE.—"Simon had led into sin the
woman he now despised. She had been
deeply wronged by
him."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 566.
7.
How did Christ compare Simon's
treatment of Him with Mary's? Luke
7:44-46.
NOTE.—"While he [Simon] thought him-
self reading his Guest, his Guest had been
reading him. He saw how true Christ's
judgment of him was. His religion had been
a robe of Pharisaism. He had despised the
compassion of Jesus. . . . While Mary was
a sinner pardoned, he was a sinner un-
pardoned. . . .
"Simon was touched by the kindness of
Jesus in not openly rebuking him before the
guests. . . . Stern denunciation would have
hardened Simon against repentance, but
patient admonition convinced him of his
error. He saw the magnitude of
,
the debt
which he owed his Lord. His pride was
humbled, he repented, and the proud Phari-
see became a lowly, self-sacrificing disciple."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 567, 568.
8.
What comforting assurance was
given to Mary? Luke 7:47-50.
NoTE.—"When to human eyes her case
appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary
capabilities for good. . . . The plan of re-
demption has invested humanity with great
possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities
were to be realized. . . . The one who had
fallen, and whose mind had been a habita-
tion of demons, was brought very near to
the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It
was Mary who sat at His feet and learned
of Him. It was Mary who poured upon
His head the precious anointing oil, and
bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood
beside the cross, and followed Him to the
sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after
His resurrection. It was Mary who first
proclaimed a risen Saviour."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 568.
Jesus' Solicitude for Jerusalem
9.
In preparation for His entry
into Jerusalem, what instruction did
Christ give to two of His disciples?
What prophecy was thus fulfilled?
Matt. 21:1-7; Zech. 9:9.
NOTE.—"He had, therefore, determined,
with calm deliberation, and consciousness
of what it involved, to enter Jerusalem
publicly, with such circumstance as would
openly announce His claim to be the
Messiah. He would also perform specific
Messianic acts, in the very citadel of the
theocracy, and under the eyes of the
haughty, and yet alarmed, hierarchy. He
would enter as a king, but, as the Prince
of Peace, giving no real pretense for any
charge of political design."—Geikie,
The
Life and Words of Christ,
Vol. 2, p. 394.
10.
What demonstration by the
multitude marked the triumphal
entry? Matt. 21:8, 9; Luke 19:36-38;
John 12:1216.
NOTE.—"Never before had the world seen
such a triumphal procession. . . . The blind
whom He had restored to sight were lead-
ing the way. The dumb whose tongues He
had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas.
The cripples whom He had healed bounded
with joy, and were the most active in
breaking the palm branches and waving
them' before the Saviour. . . . The lepers
whom He had cleansed spread their un-
tainted garments in His path, and hailed
Him as the King of glory. . . . Lazarus,
whose body had seen corruption in the
grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength
of glorious manhood, led the beast on which
the Saviour rode."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 572.
127
11.
When the Pharisees sought to
stop the demonstration, how did Jesus
approve the conduct of the people?
Luke 19:39, 40.
NOTE.—"That scene of triumph was of
God's own appointing. It had been foretold
by the prophet, and man was powerless to
turn aside God's purpose. Had men failed
to carry out His plan, He would have
given a voice to the inanimate stones, and
they would have hailed His Son with ac-
clamations of praise."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 572.
12.
As Christ viewed the Holy City
from the brow of Olivet, how were
His feelings manifested? What fate
did He predict would come upon
Jerusalem? Why? Luke 19:41-44.
NoTE.—"In every age there is given to
men their day of light and privilege, a
probationary time in which they may be-
come reconciled to God. But there is a
limit to this grace. Mercy may plead for
years and be slighted and rejected; but
there comes a time when mercy makes her
last plea. The heart becomes so hardened
that it ceases to respond to the Spirit of
God. . . .
"That day had come to Jerusalem."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 587.
13.
As the procession approached
Jerusalem, what inquiry was raised?
What joyful response was made?
Matt. 21:10, 11.
NOTE.—"The disciples, filled with the
spirit of inspiration, answer this question.
In eloquent strains they repeat the proph-
ecies concerning Christ:
"Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the
woman that shall bruise the serpent's head.
"Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is
`Melchizedek King of Salem,' King of
Peace... .
"Isaiah will tell you, `Immanuel,' `Won-
derf ul, Counselor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace.' . .
"Daniel will tell you, He is the Mes-
siah. .
"John the Baptist will tell you, He is
`the Lamb of God, which taketh away the
sin of the world.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages 578, 579.
Lesson 9, for May 27, 1967
Jesus Gives Final Instructions
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
John 14 to 17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also
in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you.
I
go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I
am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 72, 73; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8-10; start reading
from Study Helps assignment.
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13.
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Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
Friday: Review.
❑
[28]
Lesson Outline:
1.
The Blessed Hope
1.
The promise of His return.
John 14:1-3.
2.
The only way of life. John 14:5, 6.
3.
The request in His name. John 14:
13; 16:23, 24.
4.
The conditions of answered prayer.
John 14:14, 15; 15:7.
III. Our Mighty Helper
5.
The Holy Spirit promised.
John 14:16-18; 16:7.
6.
The work of the Spirit. John 14:26;
16:8-13.
7.
The power for witnessing. John 14:
12 ; Acts 1:8.
8.
The legacy of joy and peace.
John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33.
Ill. The True Vine
9.
The vine and branches.
John 15:1, 5 (first part).
10.
The secret of fruit bearing.
John 15:2-8.
IV. Jesus' Prayer as He Approaches
Gethsemane
11.
He prays for Himself. John 17:1,
4-6.
12.
He prays for unity among His
disciples. John 17:11, 20-23; 13:35.
13.
He prays for sanctification of
believers. John 17:17-19, 24.
THE LESSON
The Blessed Hope
1.
As the hearts of the disciples
were troubled at the thought of His
departure, what words of hope did
Jesus leave with them? John 14:1-3.
2.
What question did Thomas
raise? What vital truth did the Mas-
ter utter? John 14:5, 6.
NoTE.-"There are not many ways to
heaven. Each one may not choose his own
way. . . . Since the first gospel sermon was
preached, when in Eden it was declared
that the seed of the woman should bruise
the serpent's head, Christ had been up-
lifted as the way, the truth, and the life.
He was the way when Adam lived, when
Abel presented to God the blood of the
slain lamb, representing the blood of the
Redeemer. Christ was the way by which
patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is
the way by which alone we can have ac-
cess to God."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
663.
3.
What assurance was given con-
cerning prayer? John 14:13; 16:23,
24.
NOTE.-"He
[the Saviour] explained that
the secret of their success would be in
asking for strength and grace in His name.
. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven.
It may not be fluently expressed; but if
the heart is in it, it will ascend to the
sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He
will present it to the Father without one
awkward, stammering word, beautiful and
fragrant with the incense of His own per-
fection."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 667.
4.
What does it mean to pray in
Christ's name? John 14:14, 15; 15:7.
NOTE.-"To
pray in Christ's name means
much. It means that we are to accept His
character, manifest His spirit, and work
His works. The Saviour's promise is given
on condition. 'If ye love Me,' He says,
`keep My commandments.' He saves men,
not in sin, but from sin; and those who
love Him will show their love by obedi-
ence. . . .
"If we consent, He will so indentify
Himself with our thoughts and aims, so
blend our hearts and minds into con-
formity to His will, that when obeying
Him we shall be but carrying out our own
impulses."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 668.
(29]
Our Mighty Helper
5.
What mighty Helper would
Christ ask His Father to send in His
stead? John 14:16-18; 16:7.
NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-
resentative, but divested of the personality
of humanity, and independent thereof.
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not
be in every place personally. Therefore it
was for their interest that He should go
to the Father, and send the Spirit to be
His successor on earth. No one could then
have any advantage because of his location
or his personal contact with Christ. By
the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible
to all. In this sense He would be nearer to
them than if He had not ascended ' on
high."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 669.
6.
What would be the work of the
Holy Spirit? John 14:26; 16:8-13.
NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit was the highest
of all gifts that He could solicit from His
Father for the exaltation of His people.
The Spirit was to be given as a regener-
ating agent, and without this the sacrifice
of Christ would have been of no avail. . .
Sin could be resisted and overcome only
through the mighty agency of the Third
Person of the Godhead, who would come
with no modified energy, but in the fullness
of divine power. . . . Through the Spirit
the believer becomes a partaker of the
divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit
as a divine Dower to overcome all heredi-
tary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and
to impress His own character upon His
church."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 671.
7.
Under the working of the Holy
Spirit, what results would surely fol-
low? John 14:12; Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"Jesus revealed no qualities, and
exercised no powers, that men may not have
through faith in Him. His perfect human-
ity is that which all His followers may
possess, if they will be in subjection to
God as He was.
"And greater works than these shall
he do; because I go unto My Father.' By
this Christ did not mean that the disciples'
work would be of a more exalted character
than His, but that it would have greater
extent. He did not refer merely to miracle
working, but to all that would take place
under the working of the Holy Spirit."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 664.
8.
For the time of tribulation, what
legacy did Jesus leave His people?
John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33.
NOTE.—"At all times and in all places, in
all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the
outlook seems dark and the future perplex-
ing, and we feel helpless andAlone, the
Comforter will
be sent
answer
to the
prayer of faith. Circumstances may sepa-
rate us from every earthly friend; but no
circumstance, no distance, can• separate us
from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever
we are, wherever we may go, He is always
at our right hand to support, sustain, up-
hold, and cheer."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 669, 670.
The True Vine
9.
How did our Lord illustrate the
relationship between Himself and His
disciples? John 15:1, 5 (first part).
10.
What is the secret of abundant
fruit bearing, and of what is fruitful-
ness an evidence? John 15:2-8.
NOTE.—"The life of the vine will be
manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches.
`He that abideth in Me,' said Jesus, 'and I
in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without Me ye can do nothing.' When
we live by faith on the Son of God, the
fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our life;
not one will be missing. . .
"The pruning will cause pain, but it is the
Father who applies the knife. e works with
[301
no wanton hand or indifferent heart. There
are branches trailing upon the ground;
these must be cut locse from the earthly
supports to which their tendrils are fasten-
ing. They are to reach heavenward, and
find their support in God. The excessive
foliage that draws away the life current
from the fruit must be pruned off. The
overgrowth must be cut out, to give room
for the healing beams of the Sun of Righ-
teousness. The husbandman prunes away
the harmful growth, that the fruit may be
richer and more abundant."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 676, 677.
Jesus' Prayer as He Approaches
Gethsemane
11. As Christ approached Gethsem-
ane and Calvary, what request did
He make of His Father? What did He
say of the task assigned Him? John
17:1, 4-6.
NOTE.—"Before the world was.
There
could not be a more distinct and clear
declaration of the preexistence of Chigt
.
than this. It means before the creation of
the world; before there was any world."—
Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Gospels,
Vol.
2, p. 385.
12.
As. Jesus, was leaving His dis-
ciples, what was the burden of His
prayer for them? What effect would
the unity of the believers have upon
the world? John 17:11, 20-23; 13:35.
13.
By what agency is the believer
sanctified and kept? What final re-
quest did Jesus make on behalf of
His people? John 17:17-19, 24.
NOTE.—"Let the student take the Bible
as his guide and stand firm for principle,
and he may aspire to any height of at-
tainment. All the philosophies of human
nature have led to confusion and shame
when God has not been recognized as all
in all. But the precious faith inspired of
God imparts strength and nobility of char-
acter. As His goodness, His mercy, and
His love are dwelt upon, clearer and still
clearer will he the perception of truth;
higher, holier, the desire for purity of
heart and clearness of thought. The soul
dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy
thought is transformed by intercourse with
God through the study of His Word. Truth
is so large, so far-reaching, so deep, so
broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart
is
softened,and subdued into .humility, kind-
ness, and love."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 465, 466.
Lesson 10, for June 3, 1967
Gethsemane
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 26:31-68; Mark 14:27-50; Luke
22:31-53; John 18:1-14.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Watch and pray, that
ye enter
not into temptation: the spirit
indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Matt. 26:41.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter
74;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
[ 31 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques.
1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 9-13.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Read from Study
Helps assignment.
0
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
0
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Warns His Disciples
1.
Facing a night of test. Mark
14:27.
2.
Jesus' special warning to Peter.
Luke 22:31, 34.
3.
Peter's declaration of loyalty.
Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:33.
4.
Jesus' comforting promise.
Mark 14:28.
II. Jesus in Gethsemane
5.
A special prayer group.
Matt. 26:36-38.
6.
Jesus prays, "Let this cup pass."
Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
7.
The sleeping disciples. Matt.
26:40, 41, 43, 45.
8.
An angel strengthens Jesus for
final struggle. Luke 22:43, 44.
III. The Betrayal
9.
The mob seek Jesus. Matt. 26:47;
John 18:3-5.
10.
Divine power manifested. John
18:6.
11.
The traitor's kiss. Matt. 26:48-50;
Luke 22:47, 48.
12.
Peter's rash act. John 18:10, 11;
Matt. 26:51, 52.
13.
The Scriptures fulfilled. Matt.
26:54-56.
THE LESSON
Jesus Warns His Disciples
1. How did Jesus seek to prepare
•
His disciples for their coming trial
and disappointment? Mark
14:27.
NoTE.-"Through the crowded streets
they made their way, passing out of the
city gate toward the Mount of Olives.
Slowly they proceeded, each busy with
his own thoughts. As they began to descend
toward the mount, Jesus said, in a tone
of deepest sadness, 'All ye shall be offended
because of Me this night: for it is written,
I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of
the flock shall be scattered abroad.' Matt.
26:31. The disciples listened in sorrow and
amazement. . . .
"In their self-confidence they denied the
repeated statement of Him who knew. They
were unprepared for the test; when temp-
tation should overtake them, they would
understand their own weakness."-The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 673.
2.
What special warning did Jesus
give to Peter? Luke 22:31, 34.
3.
What protestation of loyalty to
the Saviour did Peter make? Mark
14:29-31; Luke 22:33.
NOTE.-"When
Peter said he would fol-
low his Lord to prison and to death, he
meant it, every word of it; but he did not
know himself. Hidden in his heart were
elements of evil that circumstances would
fan into life. Unless he was made conscious
of his danger, these would prove his eternal
ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love
and assurance that would overbear even
[
32]
his love for Christ. . . . Christ's solemn
warning was a call to heart-searching."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 673.
4.
With what comforting promise
did Jesus seek to assure His disciples?
Mark 14:28. Compare John 16:20.
NoTE.—"`These things I have spoken unto
you,' He said, 'that in Me ye might have
peace. In the world ye shall have tribula-
tion: but be of good cheer; I have over-
come the world.' Christ did not fail, neither
was He discouraged, and His followers are
to manifest a faith of the same enduring
nature. They are to live as He lived, and
work as He worked, because they depend
on Him as the great Master Worker. Cour-
age, energy, and perseverance they must
possess. Though apparent impossibilities ob-
struct their way, by His grace they are to
go forward. Instead of deploring difficulties,
they are called upon to surmount them.
They are to despair of nothing, and to hope
for everything."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
679.
Jesus in Gethsemane
5.
Upon arrival at Gethsemane,
whom did Jesus take with Him to
a retired spot for prayer? What state-
ment and request indicated the crisis
He was facing? Matt. 26:36-38.
NOTE.—"Now He [Christ] seemed to be
shut out from the light of God's sustain-
ing presence. Now He was numbered with
the transgressors. The guilt of fallen hu-
manity He must bear. Upon Him who
knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of
us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him,
so great is the weight of guilt which He
must bear, that He is tempted to fear it
will shut Him out forever from His Fa-
ther's
love."—The Desire of Ages,
page 685.
6.
Going a little way from His
companions, what anguished petition
did the Saviour make? Matt. 26:39,
42, 44.
NOTE.—"As Christ felt His unity with
the Father oroken up, He feared that in
His human nature He would be unable to
endure the coming conflict with the powers
of darkness. . . . Now the tempter had
come for the last fearful struggle. . . .
Everything was at stake with him. If he
failed here, his hope of mastery was
lost. . . .
"The conflict was terrible. . . . The sins
of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and
the sense of God's wrath against sin was
crushing out His life."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 686, 687.
7.
In what condition did Jesus find
the disciples? Matt. 26:40, 41, 43, 45.
NOTE.—"In the supreme agony of His
soul He [Christ] came to His disciples
with a yearning desire to hear some words
of comfort from those whom He had so
often blessed and comforted. . . .
"They did not intend to forsake their
Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a
stupor which they might have shaken off
if they had continued pleading with God.
They did not realize the necessity of watch-
fulness and earnest prayer in order to with-
stand temptation. . . .
"Thus when the Saviour was most in
need of their sympathy and prayers, they
were found asleep."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 687-689.
8.
In this crisis hour, who was sent
to strengthen Jesus? How was His in-
tense agony revealed? Luke 22:43, 44.
Nora.—"The awful moment had come—
that moment which was to decide the
destiny of the world. The fate of humanity
trembled in the balance. Christ might even
now refuse to drink the cup apportioned
to guilty man. .
"Three times has humanity shrunk from
the last, crowning sacrifice. . . . The woes
and lamentations of a doomed world rise
before Him. He beholds its impending
fate, and His decision is made. He will
save men at any cost to Himself. . . .
"Having made the decision, He fell dying
to the ground. . . .
[ 33 ]
"In this awful crisis, when everything
was at stake, when the mysterious cup
trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the
heavens opened, a light shone forth amid
the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and
the mighty angel who stands in God's
presence, occupying the position from which
Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 690-693.
The Betrayal
9.
As Jesus and His disciples were
about to leave, who came to the gar-
den? Matt. 26:47; John 18:3-5.
10.
What was the effect on the mob
as divine glory was revealed? John
18:6.
Norr.—"As these words were spoken, the
angel who had lately ministered to Jesus
moved between Him and the mob. A di-
vine light illuminated the Saviour's face,
and a dovelike form overshadowed Him.
In the presence of this divine glory, the
murderous throng could not stand for a
moment. They staggered back. Priests, el-
ders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead
men to the ground.
"The angel withdrew, and the light faded
away."—The Desire of Ages,
page 694.
11.
With what sign did Judas be-
tray his Lord? How did Jesus re-
spond? Matt. 26:48-50; Luke 22:47,
48.
NoTE.—"Judas the betrayer did not for-
get the part he was to act. When the mob
entered the garden, he had led the way,
closely followed by the high priest. To the
pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, say-
ing, 'Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same
is He: hold Him fast.' Matt. 26:48. Now
he pretends to have no part with them.
Coming close tc Jesus, he takes His hand
as a familiar friend. With the words, 'Hail,
Master,' he kisses Him repeatedly, and ap-
pears to weep as if in sympathy with Him
in His peril.
"Jesus said to him, 'Friend, wherefore
art thou come?' His voice trembled with
sorrow as He added, 'Judas, betrayest thou
the Son of man with a kiss?' This appeal
should have aroused the conscience of the
betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart;
but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness
had forsaken
him."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 695, 696.
12.
What principle did Jesus set
forth as He corrected Peter's rash
act? John 18:10, 11; Matt. 26:51, 52.
13.
What did the disciples do as
Christ referred to all this as but ful-
filling the Scriptures? Matt. 26:54-56.
NOTE.—"The disciples were terrified as
they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken
and bound. They were offended that He
should suffer this humiliation to Himself
and them. They could not understand His
conduct, and they blamed Him for submit-
ting to the mob. In their indignation and
fear, Peter proposed that they save them-
selves. Following this suggestion, 'they all
forsook Him, and fled.' But Christ had
foretold this desertion. 'Behold,' He had
said, 'the hour cometh, yea, is now come,
that ye shall be scattered, every man to
his own, and shall leave Me alone: and
yet I am not alone, because the Father is
with Me.' John 16:32."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 697.
Lesson 11, for June 10, 1967
Jesus on Trial
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 26:59-65; 27:1, 2, 11-30; Mark 15:1-19; Luke
23:1-25;
John
18:12-24; 19:1-15.
I 34
1
MEMORY VERSE:
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His
mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 75-77; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques.
1-3.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7, 8; begin reading
Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 9-12.
0
Thursday: Ques. 13, 14; finish
reading Study Helps.
Friday: Review.
0
Lesson Outline:
I. Before Annas and Caiaphas
1.
Christ before Annas. John 18:12, 13.
2.
Before Caiaphas. John 18:24.
3.
Accused by false witnesses.
Matt. 26:59-62.
II. First Appearance Before Pilate
4.
Priests deliver Jesus to Pilate.
Matt. 27:1, 2 ; Luke 23:1, 2.
5.
Christ explains nature of His
kingdom. John 18:33-38.
6.
Christ a Galilean. Luke 23:5-7.
III. Christ Before Herod
7.
Herod glad to see Jesus. Luke 23:8.
8.
Jesus is silent. Luke 23:9-11.
IV. Before Pilate the Second Time
9.
Without fault. Luke 23:13-16.
10.
Jesus' shameful treatment.
Luke 23:22; John 19:1-3; Mark
15:15-20.
11.
Christ or Barabbas. Matt. 27:15-
18, 20; Mark 15:6-11.
12.
"What shall I do then with Jesus?"
Matt. 27:22.
13.
Pilate washes his hands. Matt.
27:24.
14.
The fatal choice. John 19:12-15.
THE LESSON
Before Annas and Caiaphas
1. After Jesus' arrest, to what place
did the mob lead Him? John 18:12, 13.
NOTE.-"Over
the brook Kedron, past
gardens and olive groves, and through the
hushed streets of the sleeping city, they
hurried Jesus. It was past midnight, and
the cries of the hooting mob that fol-
lowed Him broke sharply upon the still
air. The Saviour was bound and closely
guarded, and He moved painfully. But in
eager haste His captors made their way
with Him to the palace of Annas, the ex-
high priest. . . .
"Christ was to be tried formally before
the Sanhedrin; but before Annas He was
subjected to a preliminary trial."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 698.
2. To whom did Annas send Christ?
John 18:24.
NOTE.-"Annas
ordered Jesus to be taken
to Caiaphas. Caiaphas belonged to the Sad-
ducees, some of whom were now the most
desperate enemies of Jesus. He himself,
though wanting in force of character, was
fully as severe, heartless, and unscrupulous
as was Annas. He would leave no means
untried to destroy Jesus."-The
Desire of
Ages,
page 703.
[ 35 ]
3.
As Jesus was arraigned before
the council in the court of Caiaphas,
what false testimony was borne
against Him? Matt. 26:59-62.
NOTE.—"This He spoke of His body;
they perverted it, endeavoring to show
that He meant the temple at Jerusalem.
They neither stated it as it was, nor did
they state correctly its meaning; nor did
they agree about the words used. . . .
They had utterly failed in their proof.
They had no way left to accomplish their
purpose of condemning Him, but to draw
it from His own lips."—Barnes,
Notes on
the Gospels,
Vol. 1, p. 347.
First Appearance Before Pilate
4.
Having condemned Jesus, to
whom did the priests deliver Him?
Matt. 27:1, 2; Luke 23:1, 2.
NoTE.—"Under the Roman rule the San-
hedrin could not execute the sentence of
death. They could only examine a prisoner,
and pass judgment, to be ratified by the
Roman authorities. . . . There were two
charges which the priests desired to main-
tain. If Jesus could be proved a blas-
phemer, He would be condemned by the
Jews. If convicted of sedition, it would
secure His condemnation by the Romans.
The second charge Annas tried first to es-
tablish."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 698,
699.
5.
Questioned by Pilate, how did
Christ explain the nature of His king-
dom? What historic pronouncement
did Pilate make to the Jews? John
18:33-38.
NOTE.—"These words from a heathen
judge were a scathing rebuke to the per-
fidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel
who were accusing the Saviour."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 727.
6.
In desperation, what charges did
the chief priests hurl at Jesus? At the
mention of Galilee, how did Pilate
seek to avoid responsibility? Luke
23: 5-7.
NOTE.—"If Jesus were a Galilean, it
would be a graceful courtesy to send Him
to be tried, as a Galilean, before His own
prince, and would perhaps efface the grudge
Antipas had. . . . It would, moreover, get
him clear of a troublesome matter."—
Geikie,
The Life and Words of Christ,
Vol.
2, p. 540.
Christ Before Herod
7.
Why was Herod glad to see
Jesus? What did he hope to see Jesus
do? Luke 23:8.
NoTE.—"This Herod was he whose hands
were stained with the blood of John the
Baptist. . . .
"At the command of the king, the de-
crepit and maimed were then called in, and
Christ was ordered to prove His claims
by working a miracle. . . . The Son of
God had taken upon Himself man's nature.
He must do as man must do in like cir-
cumstances. Therefore He would not work
a miracle to save Himself the pain and
humiliation that man must endure when
placed in a similar position."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 728, 729.
8.
How did Jesus react to Herod's
many questions? Luke 23:9-11. Com-
pare Isa. 53:7.
NoTE.—"Herod was irritated by this si-
lence. It seemed to indicate utter indiffer-
ence to his authority. To the vain and pom-
pous king, open rebuke would have been
less offensive than to be thus ignored. Again
he angrily threatened Jesus, who still re-
mained unmoved and silent.
"The mission of Christ in this world
was not to gratify idle curiosity. He came
to heal the brokenhearted. Could He have
[ 36 ]
spoken any word to heal the bruises of sin-
sick souls, He would not have kept silent.
But He had no words for those who would
but trample the truth under their unholy
feet.
"Christ might have spoken words to
Herod that would have pierced the ears
of the hardened king. He might have
stricken him with fear and trembling by
laying before him the full iniquity of his
life, and the horror of his approaching
doom. But Christ's silence was the severest
rebuke that He could have given. Herod
had rejected the truth spoken to him by
the greatest of the prophets, and no other
message was he to receive. Not a word
had the Majesty of heaven for him. That
ear that had ever been open to human
woe, had no room for Herod's commands.
Those eyes that had ever rested upon the
penitent sinner in pitying, forgiving love
had no look to bestow upon Herod., Those
lips that had uttered the most impressive
truth, that in tones of tenderest entreaty
had pleaded with the most sinful and the
most degraded, were closed to the haughty
king who felt no need of a Saviour."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 730.
Before Pilate the Second Time
9.
How did Pilate report the find-
ings of Herod and himself regarding
Jesus? What did he propose to do
with the prisoner? Luke 23:13-16.
NOTE.—"Here Pilate showed his weak-
ness. He had declared that Jesus was in-
nocent, yet he was willing for Him to be
scourged to pacify His accusers. He would
sacrifice justice and principle in order to
compromise with the mob. This placed
him at a disadvantage. The crowd pre-
sumed upon his indecision, and clamored
the more for the life of the prisoner. If
at the first Pilate had stood firm, refusing
to condemn a man whom he found guilt-
less, he would have broken the fatal chain
that was to bind him in remorse and
guilt as long as he lived. . . . His wavering
and indecision proved his ruin."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 731, 732.
10.
Overridden by the clamor of
the mob, to what unjust punishment
did Pilate subject the Saviour? Luke
23:22; John 19:1-3; Mark 15:15-20.
NOTE.—"The unhappy sufferer was pub-
licly stripped, was tied by the hands in a
bent position to a pillar, and then, on the
tense quivering nerves of the naked back,
the blows were inflicted with leathern
thongs, weighted with jagged edges of
bone and lead. . . . It was a punishment
so hideous that, under its lacerating agony,
the victim generally fainted, often died."—
Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
page 430.
11.
To Pilate's offer of a choice be-
tween Christ and Barabbas, what did
the people say? Matt. 27:15-18, 20;
Mark 15:6-11.
NoTE.—"Pilate now sent for Barabbas
to be brought into the court. He then
presented the two prisoners side by side,
and pointing to the Saviour he said in a
voice of solemn entreaty, 'Behold the
Man!' . .
"There stood the Son of God, wearing
the robe of mockery and the crown of
thorns. Stripped to the waist, His back
showed the long, cruel stripes, from which
the blood flowed freely. His face was
stained with blood, and bore the marks of
exhaustion and pain. . . . Every feature
expressed gentleness and resignation and
the tenderest pity for His cruel foes. . . .
Every line of the countenance of Barabbas
proclaimed him the hardened ruffian that
he was. The contrast spoke to every be-
holder. . . . Even the priests and rulers
were convicted that He [Jesus] was all
that He claimed to
be."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 735.
12.
As they insisted on their choice
of Barabbas, what vital question did
Pilate raise? What was their answer?
Matt. 27:22.
NoTE.—"What shall I do with Jesus who
is called Christ?" R.S.V. Pilate had to do
something with Him. The Jews could not
escape the answer to that question. Every-
[37]
one must answer the question. No other
decision goes so deep down into life and so
far out into eternity.
13. By what act did Pilate seek to
free himself of responsibility for the
crucifixion of our Lord? Matt. 27:24.
Nora.—"Pilate yielded to the demands
of the mob. Rather than risk losing his
position, he delivered Jesus up to be cruci-
fied. But in spite of his precautions, the
very thing he dreaded afterward came
upon him. His honors were stripped from
him, he was cast down from his high
office, and, stung by remorse and wounded
pride, not long after the crucifixion he
ended his own life. So all who compromise
with sin will gain only sorrow and ruin."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 738.
14. As Pilate put forth a final effort
to release Jesus, what question of
loyalty to Caesar was raised by the
Jews? In rejecting Christ, what fateful
choice did they make? John 19:12-15.
NOTE.—"Thus by choosing a heathen
ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn
from the theocracy. They had rejected
God as their king. Henceforth they had no
deliverer. They had no king but Caesar.
To this the priests and teachers had led
the people. For this, with the fearful re-
sults that followed, they were responsible.
A nation's sin and a nation's ruin were due
to the religious leaders."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 737, 738.
Lesson 12, for June 17, 1967
Calvary
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
27:31-53;
Mark 15:20-38; Luke
16-30.
MEMORY VERSE:
"He was wounded for our transgressions,
our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon
stripes we are healed." Isa. 53:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 78, 79; "S.D.A.
Vol. 5.
23:26-49; John
19:
He was bruised for
Him; and with His
Bible Commentary,"
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
reading from Study Helps assign-
Sunday: Ques. 1-3.
❑
ment.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4-8.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Tuesday: Ques. 9-11.
❑
Helps assignment.
❑
Wednesday: Ques.
12,
13; start
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. The Crucifixion
1.
Jesus nailed to the cross.
Mark 15:22, 25, 27; Luke 23:33.
2.
Jesus prays for His enemies.
Luke 23:34.
3.
The inscription. John 19:19-22.
II. On the Cross
4.
Fulfilling scriptures. Matt. 27:34,
35; John 19:23, 24; Ps. 22:18;
69:21.
5.
Jesus reviled and mocked.
Matt. 27:39-44; Ps. 22:8.
6.
The penitent thief. Luke 23:39-42.
E 38 1
7.
Saved on the cross. Luke 23:43.
8.
Jesus provides for His mother.
John 19:25-27.
III. It Is Finished
9.
Supernatural darkness. Matt. 27:45.
10.
Bearing the sins of the world.
Matt. 27:46, 47.
11.
The supreme sacrifice.
John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46.
IV. Type Meets Antitype
12.
Type fulfilled. Ex. 12:6 (margin) ;
Matt. 27:46, 50.
13.
Inner veil rent. Mark 15:37, 38;
Matt. 27:50, 51.
THE LESSON
the love of which He had been the em-
bodiment and expression through life."—
Geikie,
The Life and Words of Christ,
Vol.
2, pp. 563, 564.
3. What protest did the chief
priests make concerning the inscrip-
tion Pilate placed on the cross? How
did Pilate reply? John 19:19-22.
The Crucifixion
1. Where was Jesus crucified, and
at what hour? Who were crucified
with Him? Mark 15:22, 25, 27; Luke
23:33.
NoTE.—"Arriving at the place of execu-
tion, the prisoners were bound to the in-
struments of torture. . . .
"As soon as Jesus was nailed to the
cross, it was lifted by strong men, and
with great violence thrust into the place
prepared for it. This caused the most in-
tense agony to the Son of God."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 744, 745.
"This punishment was deemed the most
disgraceful and ignominious that was prac-
ticed among the Romans. It was the way
in which slaves, robbers, and the most
notorious and abandoned wretches were
commonly put to death. . . . As it was the
most ignominious punishment known, so
it was the most painful."—Barnes,
Notes
on the Gospels,
Vol. 1, p. 363.
2. What prayer did the Saviour of-
fer for His enemies? Luke 23:34.
NOTE.—"Racked by the extremest pain,
and covered with every shame which men
were wont to heap on the greatest crim-
inals; forsaken and denied by His disciples;
no sigh escaped His lips, no cry of agony,
no bitter or faltering word; only a prayer
for the forgiveness of His enemies. They
had acted in blindness, under the impulse
of religious and political fanaticism. . . .
His prayer that His heavenly Father would
pardon them was only a last utterance of
NOTE.—"In Pilate's court they had cried,
`Crucify Him.' We have no king but
Caesar.' . . . They had declared that who-
ever should acknowledge any other king
was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the senti-
ment they had expressed. . . . The inscrip-
tion was a virtual acknowledgement of the
allegiance of the Jews to the Roman
power. It declared that whoever might
claim to be the King of Israel would be
judged by them worthy of death. . . .
"In the providence of God it was to
awaken thought, and investigation of the
Scriptures. . . . Thousands of people from
all lands were then at Jerusalem, and the
inscription declaring Jesus of Nazareth the
Messiah would come to their notice."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 745, 746.
On the Cross
4. When offered the customary
stupefying potion, what did Jesus do?
How were His garments divided, and
what scriptures were thus fulfilled?
Matt. 27:34, 35; John 19:23, 24; Ps.
22:18; 69:21.
NOTE.—"He [Jesus] would receive noth-
ing that could becloud His mind. His faith
[39]
must keep fast hold upon God. This was
His only strength. To becloud His senses
would give Satan an advantage."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 746.
5.
To what reviling and mocking
was the Son of God subjected?
How were these mockers fulfilling
prophecy? Matt. 27:39-44; Ps. 22:8.
NoTE.—"Although spoken in mockery,
these words led men to search the Scrip-
tures as they had never done before. Wise
men heard, searched, pondered, and prayed.
There were those who never rested until,
by comparing scripture with scripture, they
saw the meaning of Christ's mission. Never
before was there such a general knowledge
of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 749.
6.
How did one of the thieves ad-
monish his associate? Under deep
conviction, what appeal did the dying
thief make? Luke 23:39-42.
NoTE.—"He [the thief] calls to mind all
he has heard of Jesus, how He has healed
the sick and pardoned sin. . . . The Holy
Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by
little the chain of evidence is joined to-
gether. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and
hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb
of God, that taketh away the sin of the
world. Hope is mingled with anguish in his
voice as the helpless, dying soul casts him-
self upon a dying Saviour."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 750.
7.
In that darkest hour, what
blessed assurance was given to the
penitent thief? Luke 23:43.
NOTE.—"And Jesus said to him, 'Verily
to you I am saying today, with Me you
shall be in the paradise.' "—Concordant
Version of the Sacred Scriptures.
"Christ did not promise that the thief
should be with Him in Paradise that day.
He Himself did not go that day to Para-
dise. He slept in the tomb, and on the
morning of the resurrection He said, 'I am
not yet ascended to My Father.' . . . But
on the day of the crucifixion, the day of
apparent defeat and darkness, the promise
was given. 'Today' while dying upon the
cross as a malefactor, Christ assures the
poor sinner, Thou shalt be with Me in
Paradise."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 751.
8.
What devoted women are noted
as standing at the foot of the cross?
With what tender words did Jesus
commit His widowed mother to the
care of the beloved disciple? John
19:25-27.
NOTE.—"0 pitiful, loving Saviour; amid
all His physical pain and mental anguish,
He had a thoughtful care for His
Mother!
"The perfect example of Christ's filial
love shines forth with undimmed luster
from the mist of ages. . . . Those who
follow Christ will feel that it is a part
of their religion to respect and provide for
their parents. From the heart where His
love is cherished, father and mother will
never fail of receiving thoughtful care and
tender sympathy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 752.
It Is Finished
9.
From the sixth hour to the
ninth, what supernatural phenomenon
is recorded? Matt. 27:45.
NOTE.—"Inanimate nature expressed sym-
pathy with its insulted and dying Author.
The sun refused to look upon the awful
scene.. .
"In the thick darkness, God veiled the
last human agony of His Son. . . .
"A nameless terror held the throng that
was gathered about the cross. . . . Priests,
rulers, scribes, executioners, and the mob,
all thought that their time of retribution
had come."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
753, 754.
10.
What anguished cry came from
the lips of the Saviour? How did some
[ 40 ]
misunderstand? Matt. 27:46, 47. Com-
pare Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53:5.
NoTE.—"The guilt of every descendant
of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The
wrath of God against sin, the terrible mani-
festation of His displeasure because of in-
iquity, filled the soul of His Son with
consternation. . . . The withdrawal of the
divine countenance . . . in this hour of
supreme anguish pierced His heart with a
sorrow that can never be fully understood
by man. . . .
"He feared that sin was so offensive to
God that Their separation was to be
eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the
sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer
plead for the guilty race."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 753.
11.
What response was made to the
Saviour's expression of thirst? What
were His last words as He died upon
the cross? John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46.
NOTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting
breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John
19:30. The battle had been won. . . .
Satan was defeated, and knew that his
kingdom was lost."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 758.
"Well, then, might the angels rejoice as
they looked upon the Saviour's cross; for
though they did not then understand all,
they knew that the destruction of sin and
Satan was forever made certain, that the
redemption of man was assured, and that
the universe was made eternally secure."—
Ibid.,
p. 764.
Type Meets Antitype
12.
How precisely was type fulfilled
as to the time of our Lord's death?
Ex. 12:6 (margin); Matt. 27:46, 50.
NOTE.—"The great paschal Lamb, Jesus,
died at the very hour the lamb was to be
offered, between the evenings; about three
o'clock in the afternoon."—F. C. Gilbert,
Practical Lessons From the Experiences of
Israel,
1914 ed., p. 491.
"These types were fulfilled, not only as
to the event, but as to the time. On the
fourteenth day of the first Jewish month,
the very day and month on which for
fifteen long centuries the Passover lamb
had been slain, Christ, having eaten the
Passover with His disciples, instituted that
feast which was to commemorate His own
death as 'the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world.' That same
night He was taken by wicked hands to
be crucified and slain."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 399.
13.
At the death of Christ, what
supernatural happening signified the
end of the typical services in the
earthly sanctuary? Mark 15:37, 38;
Matt. 27:50, 51.
NOTE.—"With a rending noise the inner
veil of the temple is torn from top to
bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open
to the gaze of the multitude a place once
filled with the presence of God. . . . The
most holy place of the earthly sanctuary
is no longer sacred.
"All is terror and confusion. The priest
is about to slay the victim; but the knife
drops from his nerveless hand, and the
lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in
the death of God's Son. . . . Henceforth
the Saviour was to officiate as priest and
advocate in the heaven of heavens."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 757.
"Young men and women
are to come forth from our
Sabbath Schools and colleges
to become missionaries for
God."—Counsels on Sabbath
School Work,
page 86.
41
Lesson 13, for June 24, 1967
The Burial and Resurrection of Jesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 27:57 to 28:15; Mark 15:42 to
16:11;
Luke 23:50 to
24:12; John
19:31 to 20:18.
MEMORY VERSE:
"I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold,
I
am alive
forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Rev. 1:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 80-82; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques.
1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 9-13.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Start reading Study
Helps assignment.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
El
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Burial of Jesus
1.
Jewish leaders' request.
John 19:31, 32.
2.
The pierced side. John 19:33-37;
Num. 9:12; Ps. 34:20; Zech. 12:10.
3.
In Joseph's new tomb. Matt.
27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; John
19:38-42; Isa. 53:9.
4.
The guarded tomb. Matt. 27:62-66.
5.
Sabbath rest. Luke 23:54-56.
II. The Resurrection of Jesus
6. Jesus rises the third day.
Matt. 28:1-4.
7.
A lying report. Matt. 28:11-15.
8.
The wave sheaf. Lev. 23:10, 11;
1 Cor. 15:20; Matt. 27:52, 53.
III. The Empty Tomb
9.
First at the tomb. John 20:1, 2.
10.
The other women. Mark 16:1-8;
Luke 24:1-8.
11.
Peter and John at the tomb.
John 20:3-10.
12.
Christ appears first to Mary
Magdalene. John 20:11-15.
13.
Christ appears to the women.
Matt. 28:9, 10; Luke 24:10, 11.
THE LESSON
The Burial of Jesus
1. As the Sabbath drew near, what
request did the Jewish leaders make
of Pilate? What was done to the two
thieves?
John
19:31, 32.
NOTE.
-"The priests and rulers were not
at rest. . . .
"They dreaded the dead Christ more,
far more, than they had ever feared the
living Christ. They dreaded to have the
attention of the people directed any fur-
ther to the events attending His cruci-
fixion. They feared the results of that day's
work. Not on any account would they have
had His body remain on the cross during
the Sabbath."-The
Desire of Ages,
page
771.
[ 42 ]
2.
What did the soldiers refrain
from doing to Jesus? Why? To make
sure of His death, what did one
soldier do? How were the Scriptures
fulfilled? John 19:33-37; Num. 9:12;
Ps. 34:20; Zech. 12:10.
NOTE.—"It was not the spear thrust, it
was not the pain of the cross, that caused
the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered 'with
a loud voice,' . . . at the moment of death,
the stream of blood and water that flowed
from His side, declared that He died of a
broken heart. His heart was broken by
mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of
the world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 772.
"It was the sense of sin, bringing the
Father's wrath upon Him as man's sub-
stitute, that made the cup He drank so
bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of
God."—I bid.,
p. 753.
3.
Who secured Pilate's permission
to give Jesus an honorable burial?
What assistance was rendered by
Nicodemus? How was prophecy again
fulfilled? Matt. 27:57-60; Mark 15:
42-46; John 19:38-42; Isa. 53:9.
NoTE.—"Treason against the Roman
government was the crime for which Jesus
was condemned, and persons put to death
for this offense were consigned to a burial
around especially provided for such crim-
inals. . . .
"In this emergency, Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus came to the help of the
disciples. Both these men were members of
the Sanhedrin, and were acquainted with
Pilate. Both were men of wealth and in-
fluence. They were determined that the
body of Jesus should have an honorable
burial."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 773.
The average church has too
many bystanders and not
enough standbys.
43
4.
Recalling Jesus' prediction of His
resurrection, what request did the
Jewish leaders make of Pilate? What
measures were taken to guard the
tomb? Matt. 27:62-66.
NOTE.—"He was adjudged to be dead
by the Jews themselves. . . .
He was buried
alone; the place of His sepulcher was made
sure—expressly to prevent His being re-
moved;
and they placed around Him a
guard, in their own judgment large enough
to prevent His being taken away by force
or strength. His very enemies, therefore,
took every possible precaution to place His
resurrection beyond the possibility of sus-
picion of fraud and imposture, and those
precautions were the very means of fur-
nishing the most striking proof that His
death, burial, and resurrection were not
impositions, but most affecting, awful, and
yet cheering realities."—Barnes,
Note,; on
the Gospels,
Vol. 1, p. 371.
5.
Having observed the place of
His burial, what did certain devoted
women do? How precisely is the Sab-
bath identified? Luke 23:54-56.
NOTE.—"And thus the Redeemer was
left—pale, but victorious—to sleep through
the Sabbath."—Geikie,
The Life and Words
of Christ,
Vol. 2, p. 579.
"His work completed, His hands folded
in peace, He rested through the sacred
hours of the Sabbath day.
"In the beginning the Father and the
Son had rested upon the Sabbath after
Their work of creation. . . . Now Jesus
rested from the work of redemption; and
though there was grief among those who
loved Him on earth, yet there was joy in
heaven. . . . When there shall be a 'resti-
tution of all things, which God hath
spoken by the mouth of all His holy
prophets since the world began' (Acts 3:21),
the creation Sabbath, the day on which
Jesus lay at rest in Joseph's tomb, will
still be a day of rest and rejoicing."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 769, 770. See Isaiah
66:22, 23.
The Resurrection of Jesus
6.
How long did Jesus remain in
the tomb? What effect did the angel
have upon the Roman guard? Matt.
28:1-4.
NOTE.—"An earthquake marked the hour
when Christ laid down His life, and an-
other earthquake witnessed the moment
when He took it up in triumph. He who
had vanquished death and the grave came
forth from the tomb with the tread of a
conqueror, amid the reeling of the earth,
the flashing of lightning, and the roaring
of thunder. When He shall come to the
earth again, He will shake 'not the earth
only, but also heaven.' . . .
"Mountains piled upon mountains over
His sepulcher could not have prevented
Him from coming forth."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 780, 781.
7.
What lying report did the Jewish
leaders bribe the soldiers to give?
Matt. 28:11-15.
NOTE.—"The chief priests and rulers
sent for them to be brought first into
their presence. A strange appearance those
soldiers presented. Trembling with fear,
their faces colorless, they bore testimony to
the resurrection of Christ. The soldiers
told all, just as they had seen it; they had
not had time to think or speak anything
but the truth.. .
"They came in before the priests bur-
dened with a most startling message of
truth; they went out with a burden of
money, and on their tongues a lying re-
port which had been framed for them by
the priests."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
781, 782.
8.
How was the type of the sheaf
of the firstfruits fulfilled as to time
and event? What special group bore
witness of the resurrection to many?
Lev. 23:10, 11; 1 Cor. 15:20; Matt.
27:52, 53.
NorE.—"Christ arose from the dead as
the firstfruits of those that slept. He was
the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His
resurrection took place on the very day
when the wave sheaf was to be presented
before the Lord. . . . The sheaf dedicated
to God represented the harvest. . . . His
resurrection is the type and pledge of the
resurrection of all the righteous dead. . . .
"As Christ arose, He brought from the
grave a multitude of captives. . . . They
were those who had been colaborers with
God, and who at the cost of their lives
had borne testimony to the truth. . . .
"They ascended with Him as trophies
of His victory over death and the grave."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 785, 786.
"He presents to God the wave sheaf,
those raised with Him as representatives of
that great multitude who shall come forth
from the grave at His second coming."—
Ibid.,
p. 834.
The Empty Tomb
9.
In the early morning of the first
day of the week, who was the first
to arrive at the tomb? John 20:1, 2.
"The followers of Christ
should not wait for thrilling
missionary appeals to arouse
them to action. If spiritually
awake, they would hear in
the income of every week,
whether much or little, the
voice of pod and of con-
science with authority de-
manding the tithes and of-
ferings due the Lord."—
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 474.
44 ]
10.
What problem concerned the
other women as they approached the
sepulcher? What joyful message did
two angels give them for the eleven?
Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8.
NoTE.—" 'Tell His disciples and Peter,'
the angels said. . . . His shameful denial of
the Lord, and the Saviour's look of love
and anguish, were ever before him. . . .
To him the assurance is given that his re-
pentance is accepted and his sin forgiven.
He is mentioned by name."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 793.
11.
On hearing Mary Magdalene's
report, what did Peter and John im-
mediately do? What did they note
concerning the graveclothes? John 20:
3-10.
NOTE.—"Here was testimony that He
had risen. The graveclothes were not
thrown heedlessly aside, but carefully
folded, each in a place by itself. . .
"It was the Saviour's hand that folded
each, and laid it in its place. In His sight
who guides alike the star and the atom,
there is nothing unimportant. Order and
perfection are seen in all His work."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 789.
12.
As the weeping Mary looked
into the sepulcher, what did she see
and hear? What question was ad-
dressed to her by the One she sup-
posed to be the gardener? How did
she explain her sorrow? John 20:
11-15.
NOTE.
—
"In
the garden, Mary had stood
weeping, when Jesus was close beside her.
Her eyes were so blinded by tears that
she did not discern Him. And the hearts of
the disciples were so full of grief that
they did not believe the angels' message or
the words of Christ Himself.
"How many are still doing what these
disciples did! . . . To how many might
the Saviour's words be spoken, 'Why weep-
est thou? whom seekest thou?' He is close
beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes
do not discern Him. He speaks to them,
but they do not understand. . . .
"He lives to make intercession for us.
Grasp this hope, and it will hold the soul
like a sure, tried anchor. Believe, and thou
shalt see the glory of God."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 794.
13.
What homage did our Lord
later accept from the group of
women? For the third time what
message was sent to the disciples?
How did they regard the women's
story? Matt. 28:9, 10; Luke 24:10, 11.
NoTE.
T
-"Jesus refused to receive the
homage of 'His people until He had the
assurance that His sacrifice was accepted
by the Father. He ascended to the heavenly
courts, and from God Himself heard the
assurance that His atonement for the sins
of men had been ample, that through His
blood all might gain eternal life. The Fa-
ther ratified the covenant made with
Christ, that He would receive repentant
and obedient men, and would love them
even as He loves His Son. . . . All power
in heaven and on earth was given to the
Prince of life, and He returned to His
followers in a world of sin, that He might
impart to them of His power and glory."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 790.
"The minds of men must be
called to the Scriptures as
the most effective agency in
the salvation of souls, and the
ministry of the Word is the
great educational force to
produce this result."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 288.
[ 45 ]
Ho ps for the Whok Family
the Iudy.offhp Sabbath School [mom
Order Through Your Church Missionary Secretary
or
BOOK and BIBLE HOUSE
PERIODICAL
DEPARTMENT
THIRTEENTH SABBATH
OFFERING
June 24, 1967
Northern European Division
The Northern European Division is a large and most challenging section
of the world field. In it dwell more than
200
million people in lands that
stretch from the Arctic Circle to Equatorial Africa. This multitude of peo-
ple is a heterogeneous group, conforming to varied national customs, speak-
ing a large number of languages and dialects, and influenced and motivated
by a wide range of educational and cultural standards. The proclamation
of God's message to this great mass of humanity is a colossal task, made
possible through the promised power
;
without measure, of the Holy Spirit,
Three projects have been chosen to benefit from the overflow of the
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for this quarter. They are:
r. A new classroom building for our junior college in Sweden. This
school has grown and developed through the years, but the time has come
when it is impossible to continue with the facilities that exist.
2.
A young men's dormitory for Ethiopian Adventist College. We can
be justly proud of this school, but it still has many needs. One of the
most pressing is a men's dormitory, for some students are still housed in
huts with no windows for light and ventilation.
3.
Mission headquarters and evangelistic center for Togo. Togo was
until recently one of the few unentered countries of the Northern European
Division. The work has now been started. Prospects are bright, but the
needs are great.
Lessons for the Third Quarter, 1967
Sabbath School members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the third quarter of 1967 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the series is "The Joys and Obligations of Christian
Stewardship." The title of the first lesson is, "The Christian, a Steward of God."
The memory verse is John 3:16. The study helps are the
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Counsels on Stewardship,
pages 13-19, and
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 282-288. The
texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Gal. 3:26.
Ques. 2. 1 John 4:13.
Ques. 3. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
Ques. 4. Col. 1:16-18.
Ques. 5. Isa. 43:1.
Ques. 6. Jude 24, 25.
Ques. 7. Eph. 2:10.
Ques. 8. 2 Cor. 5:14, 15.
Ques. 9. Rom. 12:2.
Ques. 10. Matt. 10:42.
Ques. 11. Eccl. 12:14.
Ques. 12. Luke 9:23.
Ques. 13. Mark 12:41; Matt. 6:2,
3.
Ques. 14. 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
[ 47 ]
Rlmbo
NORTHERN
EUROPEAN DIVISION
British Union Conference
56,491,000
115
10.502
10,089
Ethiopian Union Mission
23,000,000
47
9.191
10.505
Finland Union Conference
4.400.000
48
5,275 5,196
Greenland Mission
37,368
1
9
9
Iceland Conference
194,000
8
454
518
Netherlands Union Conference
11,000.000
45
3.151
2.632
Polish Union Conference
31,000,000
68
3,810
5,200
Swedish Union Conference
7,976,978
68
3,724 3,474
West African Union
81.157,268
257
34,566
89.527
West Nordic Union
8,315,610
135
9,283
8.449
TOTALS
223,572.224
792
79,965
135,599
.
CLASSROOM BUILDING
i
wedIsh Junior College
BOYS' DORMITORY
Ethiopian Adventist College
Addls Abab%
0
MISSION HEADQUARTERS
at LORI E
,
capital of TOGO